bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies Positivity and Anti-Leukotrienes in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Retrospective Monocentric Study on 134 Italian Patients
Authors: Schroeder Jan Walter , Folci Marco , Losappio Laura Michelina , Chevallard Michel , Sinico Renato Alberto , Mirone Corrado , De Luca Fabrizio , Nichelatti Michele , Pastorello Elide Anna
Published: June 2019

Background: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic vasculitis associated with asthma, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) positivity, and tissue eosinophilia. Objective: To describe the presenting clinical features, significant biochemical alterations, and also potential pathogenic factors in adult patients diagnosed in our Center over a period of >20 years. Method: A retrospective study of EGPA patients diagnosed from 1994 to 2019 at ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda Ca’ Granda, Milan (Italy), which was performed according to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria and Chapel Hill Consensus Conference definition. A dataset was compiled, registering demographic and clinical features, biochemical analysis at onset, and also the therapies received 3 months prior to EGPA diagnose. Statistical analyses were subsequently conducted dividing patients in 2 groups based on ANCA positivity and comparing them. Results: Two groups were clearly identified by ANCA serology and specific organ involvement in accordance with literature reports; however, our data underline for the first time the association between anti-leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) and ANCA positivity. The group of previously treated patients presents an OR of 6.42 to be ANCA positive. This finding could be attributed to an imbalanced stimulation of leukotriene receptors, inducing both mast cells activation and an increased neutrophil extracellular traps release from neutrophils. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of this retrospective study, the association between LTRAs and ANCA antibodies elucidates the mechanism by which innate immunity is directly involved in tolerance breakdown and autoantibodies production. Validation of our results with targeted studies could clarify the differences between ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative patients with important consequences on the use of some drug classes in the treatment of EGPA and asthmatic subjects.
Comparison of Changes in Disease-Free and Overall Survival of Resectable Rectal Adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2015
Authors: Žilinskas Justas , Jokubauskas Mantas , Smailytė Giedrė , Gineikienė Irina , Tamelis Algimantas
Published: June 2019

Background: Management of rectal cancer (RC) has undergone many changes in recent decades. A multidisciplinary approach to this complex disease is essential, ensuring high-quality diagnostic, treatment, and outcomes. We aimed to compare treatment results of RC in a single-centre setting between 2010 and 2015. Methods: A retrospective comparative study included patients with newly diagnosed and operated resectable RC. Patients’ diagnostic and treatment data were analysed. Postoperative morbidity was measured according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Survival data were received from the Lithuanian Cancer Registry. Continuous variables were expressed as mean and SD. Student t test and one-way ANOVA were used for parametric data and the Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors for increased survival. Association between categorical variables was verified using Pearson χ2. Results: The study included 179 patients: 80 from 2010 and 99 from 2015. Mean sample age was 67.1 ± 10.7 years. There was no significant difference regarding age, gender, median ASA (3 in both groups), but mean hospital stay was 2 days shorter (8 vs. 10 days) in 2015 (p = 0.002). There were only 8 patients (4%) admitted to the hospital on an emergency basis. Pelvis MRI and abdominal CT were performed more often in 2015: from 37.5 to 77.8% (p < 0.001) and from 52.5 to 97% in 2015, respectively. Circumferential margin evaluation increased from 13.8 to 36.4% (p = 0.001). Neoadjuvant therapy increased from 20% in 2010 to 44.9% in 2015 (p = 0.01). The overall postoperative Clavien-Dindo complication rate was higher in 2015 (13.8 vs. 20.2%, p = 0.596), but in-hospital mortality was lower (1 vs. 0 patients). Comparison of radiological TNM and pathological TNM with one-way ANOVA showed a significant difference staging between 2010 (p = 0.002) and 2015 (p = 0.001). The 2-year overall survival (OS) increased from 76.3 to 86.9% (p = 0.046) and the median disease-free survival from 27 (range 0–35) months to 28 (range 0–35) months (72.5–83.5%, p = 0.077). Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that availability and performance of MRI were associated with an increased OS (OR = 1.529, 95% CI 0.916–2.554, p = 0.020). Conclusions: The expanded quantity of preoperative imaging, an improved radiological staging, and compulsory multidisciplinary team board discussions have led to selective neoadjuvant treatment decision followed by surgery which can positively affect the 2-year OS rate.
Association between Serum Magnesium and Erythropoietin Responsiveness in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yu Ling , Song Jinghong , Lu Xiangxue , Zu Yuan , Li Han , Wang Shixiang
Published: June 2019

Background/Aims: As shown in the China Health and Nutrition Survey, serum magnesium is associated with anemia. However, the roles of magnesium in anemia and erythropoietin (EPO) responsiveness remain unclear in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study aims to investigate the level of serum magnesium and its relationship with EPO responsiveness in MHD patients. Methods: A total of 307 MHD patients were recruited for this survey. Laboratory data and anthropometrics were collected. EPO responsiveness was evaluated by the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI). The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to serum magnesium concentrations (group A, the lowest tertile; group B, the middle tertiles; and group C, the highest tertile). Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to evaluate the factors that may be associated with EPO responsiveness. Results: The mean serum magnesium level was significantly higher than normal levels in MHD patients, while no hypomagnesemia was observed. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, intact parathyroid hormone, serum albumin, and magnesium levels were correlated with a high ERI. The OR of a high ERI was found to be 2.57 (95% CI 1.330–4.975, p = 0.005) for group A and 1.66 (95% CI 0.878––3.140, p > 0.05) for group B compared with the OR for group C. Conclusion: Serum magnesium levels were higher than normal levels in MHD patients. A high serum magnesium level was correlated with good EPO responsiveness and was therefore suggested to be a protective factor for EPO hyporesponsiveness.
Patient Characteristics Associated With Antianginal Medication Escalation and De-Escalation Following Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Hirai Taishi , Qintar Mohammed , Grantham J. Aaron , Sapontis James , Cohen David J. , Lombardi William , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Moses Jeffrey , Nicholson William J. , Nugent Karen , Gosch Kensey L. , Spertus John A. , Salisbury Adam C. ,   on behalf of the OPEN CTO Study Group
Published: June 2019

Background:

Prior research has shown that providers may infrequently adjust antianginal medications (AAMs) following chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patient characteristics associated with AAM titration and the variation in postprocedure AAM management after CTO PCI across hospitals have not been reported. We sought to determine the frequency and potential correlates of AAM escalation and de-escalation after CTO PCI.

Methods and Results:

Using the 12-center OPEN CTO registry (Outcomes, Patient Health Status, and Efficiency iN Chronic Total Occlusion Hybrid Procedures), we assessed AAM use at baseline and 6 months after CTO PCI. Escalation was defined as any addition of a new class of AAM or dose increase, whereas de-escalation was defined as a reduction in the number of AAMs or dose reduction. Angina was assessed 6 months after the index CTO PCI attempt using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire Angina Frequency domain. Potential correlates of AAM escalation (vs no change) or de-escalation (vs no change) were evaluated using multivariable modified Poisson regression models. Adjusted variation across sites was evaluated using median rate ratios. AAMs were escalated in 158 (17.5%), de-escalated in 351 (39.0%), and were unchanged at 6-month follow-up in 392 (43.5%). Patient characteristics associated with escalation included lung disease, ongoing angina, and periprocedural major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (periprocedural myocardial infarction, stroke, death, emergent cardiac surgery, or clinically significant perforation), whereas de-escalation was more frequent among patients taking more AAMs, those treated with complete revascularization, and after treatment of non-CTO lesions at the time of the index procedure. There was minimal variation in either escalation (median rate ratio, 1.11;
P
=0.36) or de-escalation (median rate ratio, 1.10;
P
=0.20) compared to no change of AAMs across sites.

Conclusions:

Escalation or de-escalation of AAMs was less common than continuation following CTO PCI, with little variation across sites. Further research is needed to identify patients who may benefit from AAM titration after CTO PCI and develop strategies to adjust these medications in follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02026466.
The Priestly Referent of 4QMMT B 64–72 and Its Implications for the Organization and Origin of the Text
Authors: Wearne Gareth
Published: June 2019

Among the enduring enigmas of 4QMMT are the organizational principles which govern its halakhic section. Focusing primarily on the halakhah concerning skin disease in B 64–72, this article argues that the arrangement of MMT’s halakhot was influenced, at least in part, by similar collocations of topics in Leviticus 21–22 and possibly Ezek 44:15–31. It seems that the selection of sources is attributable to a specific focus on priestly conduct in the halakhah. By recognizing the nature and extent of this dependence it is possible to better understand MMT’s origin and the writers’ exegetical and halakhic methods.
Questioning the Criminal Justice Imperative
Authors: Cullen Miriam
Published: June 2019

The Security Council’s structure as a small but powerful executive, combined with its primary responsibility for international peace and security, leads to a presumption against the application of ordinary standards of procedural fairness. At the same time, explicit provisions of the UN Charter and its own rules of procedure indicate that some balance was to be struck. This article questions whether the attainment of international criminal jurisdiction through Security Council decision-making really outweighs the need to ensure procedural integrity in every step of the process. It posits that a lack of procedural fairness in the Council’s methods of work at least undermines the justice imperative that the Council so espouses and at most violates an ancillary legal obligation.
Onobrychis maassoumii (Fabaceae-Hedysareae), a new species from Iran
Authors: KAVEH AKRAM , AMIRAHMADI ATEFE , NAFISI HANIYEH , KAZEMPOUR-OSALOO SHAHROKH
Published: June 2019

Onobrychis maassoumii Kaveh, Amirah. & Kaz. Osaloo sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a new species. It is restricted to Alborz mountain range in northeastern Tehran, Iran. Morphologically, this species is distinct from its closest relatives by greenish appearance, leaflets with upper glabrescent surface, calyx teeth 2–2.3 times as long as tube and petal wings ciliate. Also, molecular evidence reinforced this species as a distinct taxon. The distribution map and an illustration of the new species are also provided.
A new rotifer species: Lecane langsenensis n. sp. (Rotifera: Monogononta) from Vietnam
Authors: TRINH-DANG MAU , PHAN DOAN DANG , VO VAN MINH
Published: June 2019

Lecane langsenensis n. sp. is described from two locations in Vietnam: Lang Sen Reserve, Long An Province, and the Huong River, Thua Thien Hue Province. It is distinguished from L. arcula, L. aculeata and L. superaculeata by its longer lorica, antero-lateral spine, and claws. Moreover, the size and shape of L. langsenensis, L. arcula, L. aculeata, and L. superaculeata were measured and compared. The results showed that these species are completely different.
3. The Beghards in the Sixteenth Century
Authors: Rudy Kathryn M.
Published: June 2019

Chapter 3 analyses a second book that the beghards made, several decades later. The snapshot it provides reveals how the beghards changed over the turbulent early sixteenth century, how much the print market had shifted in 25 years, and how the book makers increasingly absorbed and normalised the new technology of single-leaf prints.
A Comparative Verification of Raw and Bias-Corrected ECMWF Seasonal Ensemble Precipitation Reforecasts in Java (Indonesia)
Authors: Ratri Dian Nur , Whan Kirien , Schmeits Maurice
Published: June 2019

Dynamical seasonal forecasts are afflicted with biases, including seasonal ensemble precipitation forecasts from the new ECMWF seasonal forecast system 5 (SEAS5). In this study, biases have been corrected using empirical quantile mapping (EQM) bias correction (BC). We bias correct SEAS5 24-h rainfall accumulations at seven monthly lead times over the period 1981–2010 in Java, Indonesia. For the observations, we have used a new high-resolution (0.25°) land-only gridded rainfall dataset [Southeast Asia observations (SA-OBS)]. A comparative verification of both raw and bias-corrected reforecasts is performed using several verification metrics. In this verification, the daily rainfall data were aggregated to monthly accumulated rainfall. We focus on July, August, and September because these are agriculturally important months; if the rainfall accumulation exceeds 100 mm, farmers may decide to grow a third rice crop. For these months, the first 2-month lead times show improved and mostly positive continuous ranked probability skill scores after BC. According to the Brier skill score (BSS), the BC reforecasts improve upon the raw reforecasts for the lower precipitation thresholds at the 1-month lead time. Reliability diagrams show that the BC reforecasts have good reliability for events exceeding the agriculturally relevant 100-mm threshold. A cost/loss analysis, comparing the potential economic value of the raw and BC reforecasts for this same threshold, shows that the value of the BC reforecasts is larger than that of the raw ones, and that the BC reforecasts have value for a wider range of users at 1- to 7-month lead times.
Acceptability and feasibility of a self-management intervention for women prescribed tamoxifen
Authors: Moon Zoe , Moss-Morris Rona , Hunter Myra S , Goodliffe Samantha , Hughes Lyndsay D
Published: June 2019

Objective:

Up to 50% of breast cancer survivors prescribed tamoxifen do not take it as prescribed for the full duration, which is linked to increased risk of recurrence and mortality. This paper tests the feasibility and acceptability of a self-directed psychoeducational intervention to support medication taking.

Design:

A single arm pre–post design was used with 33 women with suboptimal adherence to tamoxifen (scores ⩽ 24 on the Medication Adherence Rating Scale, range 5–25) taking part in the intervention over 2–12 weeks.

Method:

Feasibility was assessed via eligibility, uptake and retention. Questionnaires were completed pre- and post-intervention, and qualitative interviews were conducted to assess acceptability of the materials.

Results:

Recruitment and uptake were good, with 87% of eligible participants agreeing to participate. Two thirds of participants recruited to the study completed the follow-up questionnaires (66%). The qualitative interviews showed that the participants found the materials acceptable and helpful. Paired samples t-tests showed small improvements in adherence over time, as well as improvements in psychosocial targets of the intervention, namely; necessity and concern beliefs, personal control, coherence, distress, symptom experience and self-efficacy for managing side-effects.

Conclusion:

The intervention appears to be acceptable and feasible in this population and has the potential to improve both adherence and quality of life in breast cancer survivors prescribed tamoxifen. Larger scale trials are needed however to establish the efficacy of the materials.
People with intellectual disabilities, relationship and sex education programmes: A systematic review
Authors: McCann Edward , Marsh Lynne , Brown Michael
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the research evidence concerning the views and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities regarding their participation in and the effectiveness of relationship and sex education programmes.

Methods:

A systematic search of relevant electronic databases was conducted using defined inclusion criteria. All papers reviewed were from October 1998 to October 2018. PRISMA guidelines were followed in the design and reporting of the systematic review.

Results:

A total of eight studies published in English were included in the review. Data were analysed and the key themes identified were (1) designing and developing relationship and sex education programmes, (2) participating in relationship and sex education programmes and (3) perceived benefits of relationship and sex education programme participation.

Conclusion:

This review identified that people with intellectual disabilities are accessing relationship and sex education programmes and appear to find them helpful. Further research is required to investigate the extent to which programmes impact on long-term behaviours that enable the development of sustainable relationships and reduce the unintended consequences of sexual activities. Implications for policy, practice and future research developments are discussed.
Comparison of Predictions Between an EMG-Assisted Approach and Two Optimization-Driven Approaches for Lumbar Spine Loading During Walking With Backpack Loads
Authors: Li Simon S. W. , Chow Daniel H. K.
Published: June 2019

Objective

The efficacy of two optimization-driven biomechanical modeling approaches has been compared with an electromyography-assisted optimization (EMGAO) approach to predict lumbar spine loading while walking with backpack loads.

Background

The EMGAO approach adopts more variables in the optimization process and is complex in data collection and processing, whereas optimization-driven approaches are simple and include the fewest possible variables. However, few studies have been conducted on the efficacy of using the optimization-driven approach to predict lumbar spine loading while walking with backpack loads.

Method

Anthropometric information of 10 healthy male adults as well as their kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data acquired while they walked with various backpack loads (no-load, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of body weight) served as inputs into the model for predicting lumbosacral joint compression forces. The efficacy of two optimization-driven models, namely double linear optimization with constraints on muscle intensity and single linear optimization without any constraints, was investigated by comparing the resulting force profile with that provided by a current EMGAO approach.

Results

The double and single linear optimization approaches predicted mean deviations in peak force of −5.1%, and −19.2% as well as root-mean-square differences in force profile of 16.2%, and 25.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

The double linear optimization approach was a relatively comparable estimator to the EMGAO approach in terms of its consistency, slight bias, and efficiency for predicting peak lumbosacral joint compression forces.

Application

The double linear optimization approach is a useful biomechanical model for estimating peak lumbar compression forces while walking with backpack loads.
Local Leadership and Microhydro Project Sustainability in Rural Indonesia
Authors: Hermawati Wati
Published: June 2019

This article examines the relationship between local leaders and rural communities in Indonesia, which enhances good interactions between them and supports the sustainability of microhydro projects as well as develops the social and economic outcomes of those communities. By using qualitative and quantitative methods, we analyse the case study of two villages in Lumajang District, East Jawa Province, Indonesia. Results showed that the prominent roles played by the local leaders help make decisions on various complex issues affecting the community, acting as a liaison between governmental and non-governmental agencies and the community for financial and technical assistance, as well as help in the monitoring and evaluation of projects for proper implementation. Conclusions confirmed that local leadership is very important at the community level, especially in developing important networking and relationships.
Contingency Help: The Main Strategy of Iranian Nurses in Dealing With the Family of the End-of-Life Patients
Authors: Norouzadeh Reza , Anoosheh Monireh , Ahmadi Fazlollah
Published: June 2019

Families are struggling with many challenges in the final stages of patient life. It is important to understand what actions nurses do for the family of the end-of-life (EOL) patients. This study aimed to explain the main strategy of nurses’ dealing with the family of the EOL patients. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Semistructured interviews were conducted on 32 nurses from hospitals in Tehran. Nurses used six measures of explaining the bitter reality, effective communication, management of violence, referral, consolation, and reinforcement. “Contingency help” was conceptualized as the main strategy. Nurses through “contingency help” were involved in solving the emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual needs of the family. Nurses will be able to apply the results of this study to the development of care policies for the family of the EOL patients.
The Problem of Analytic Philosophy
Authors: Agassi Joseph , Jarvie Ian C.
Published: June 2019

Dainton and Robinson’s Companion traces lines of descent of analytic philosophy from ancestors. They characterize analytic philosophy as a movement, a tradition, a style, and a commitment to the values of clarity and rigor. Critics of the ancestral movements and of analytic philosophy as such are conspicuous by their absence. The sociology of the spread of analytic philosophy is ventured, updating the original effort by Gellner.
The Psychological Society of South Africa’s guidelines for psychology professionals working with sexually and gender-diverse people: towards inclusive and affirmative practice
Authors: McLachlan Chris/tine , Nel Juan A , Pillay Suntosh R , Victor Cornelius J
Published: June 2019

In this article, we outline the practice guidelines for psychology professionals working with sexually and gender-diverse people, ratified by the Psychological Society of South Africa’s Council in 2017. The guidelines are an augmentation of the Psychological Society of South Africa’s position statement of 2013 providing a framework for understanding the challenges that sexually and gender-diverse people face in patriarchal and hetero- and cis-normative societies. An affirmative stance towards sexual and gender diversity enables psychology practitioners to work ethically, effectively, and sensitively in this field. The guidelines – a first for Africa – are aspirational in nature and call on psychology professionals to become aware of their own biases, conscientise themselves of the best practices in the field by continued professional development, and to utilise the guidelines as a resource in their related work. Brief mention is made of the development process, before the rationale and possible applications of the 12 guidelines are explored.
The ecosystem of a ‘wealth-tech’ culture: the birth of networked financial subjects in South Korea
Authors: Kim Bohyeong
Published: June 2019

Starting with an online financial community in South Korea, this article explores the simultaneous production of a new form of subjectivity and a networked ecosystem of financial cultures. Using a multi-sited ethnography to track the movements of users as they moved across different spaces, this article finds that users gifted financial information to each other, blended laity and expertise, and reappropriated financial communities into a third place defined as an informal, public place hosting sociable conversations. Through the grafting of prosocial activities (e.g. sharing, gifting, and social networking) onto financial self-management, users were shaped as networked financial subjects and exhibited a distinctive mode of selfhood informed by both financial subjectivity and neoliberal networked subjectivity. At the same time, their practices spawned countless social, convivial groups as well as entrepreneurial financial gurus. By demonstrating the complex webs of on- and off-line groups, programs, relationships, and social networks, this article illustrates how the networked ecosystem of financial cultures brought the markets and commons into coalescence.
The adapted position: preparing political contents for a hybrid media environment
Authors: Laube Stefan
Published: June 2019

In today’s hybrid media environment, political representatives are expected to deliver their programmatic positions in multiple yet coherent versions. To synchronize these programmatic contents with an accelerated and fragmented media system, they are subjected to what I call ‘adaptation work’. Using ethnographic insights gathered at a party’s headquarter in the Austrian national parliament, the article shows that adaptation work happens in interaction between a digital infrastructure (intranet technology, specific documents) and a writing team (knowledge managers, staff advisers, assistants). This sociomaterial distribution enables practices for archiving and sharing internal knowledge on party positions as well as literary strategies of adjusting positions to different recipients and media. At the same time, adapted positions deliberately shade the internal infrastructure and experts involved in their preparation in order to present representatives as the ones to be held accountable for positions.
The role of norm salience in aggression socialization among friends: Distinctions between physical and relational aggression
Authors: Correia Stephanie , Brendgen Mara , Vitaro Frank
Published: June 2019

Socialization among aggressive friends is believed to play a critical role in the development of aggressive behavior. This study examined the moderating effect of norm salience in the classroom on the association between reciprocal friends’ and children’s own physical, relational, and general aggression. A total of 713 children ( M = 10.32 years, SD = 0.99) in grades 4 to 6 completed a peer nomination inventory in the fall and spring of the same academic year. Norm salience was operationalized as the class- and sex-specific correlation between each form of aggression and social preference. Norm salience moderated relational aggression socialization among friends only for highly relationally aggressive girls. Specifically, socialization was exacerbated when norm salience was favorable and attenuated when norm salience was unfavorable, suggesting that highly relationally aggressive girls may possess skills allowing them to adapt to the social context in which they and their friends interact. In contrast, boys’ general aggression socialization was exacerbated when norm salience was neutral or unfavorable, suggesting that boys who affiliate with aggressive friends may be more susceptible to aggressive friends’ influence in general and especially in the context of potential peer rejection. No moderating effect of norm salience was found in regards to physical aggression socialization. Results suggest that interventions aimed at changing acceptability of aggression in the classroom may only be effective in specific subgroups of aggressive youth.
Surgical management of iatrogenic occluded left pulmonary artery
Authors: Sadeghpour Tabaie Ali , Behjati Mohaddeseh , Mortezaeian Hojjat , Pouraliakbar Hamid Reza , Ghadrdoost Behshid , Baharestani Bahador
Published: June 2019

A 4-year-old boy developed dyspnea 18 months after attempted surgical patent ductus arteriosus closure using a clip that was inadvertently placed on the left pulmonary artery, followed by reoperation to repair the left pulmonary artery with a patch and re-close the ductus. Computed tomography angiography confirmed a large patent ductus arteriosus, left pulmonary artery occlusion, and patent left pulmonary veins. Therefore, a third surgery was performed for suture closure of the ductus and left pulmonary artery repair with an interposition tube graft. Follow-up by transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography angiography showed good flow in the left and right pulmonary arteries.
Impact of Training and Development Practices on Job Satisfaction: A Study on Faculty Members of Technical Education Institutes
Authors: Paposa Kamalpreet Kaur , Kumar Y. Mohit
Published: June 2019

The study attempts to examine the relationship and impact of training and development practices on job satisfaction of employees. Universe of the study has been limited to faculty members employed at institutes providing technical education in the city of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. A sample size of 360 faculty members was collected to represent the universe. The research was conducted in a confirmatory framework so as to examine the causal linkage among the study variables. The results depicted a positive relationship between training and development practices and job satisfaction among the faculty members of technical educational institutes. The study not only provides empirical credence to the importance of training and development practices but also has implications for the management of technical educational institutes that educational institutes should conduct a proper training need analysis to ensure that appropriate training and development practices are adopted leading to creating a learning environment in the organization which eventually contributes towards job satisfaction of employees through appropriate skills development for individual and organizational growth.
Judges’ socio-technical review of contested expertise
Authors: Taipale Jaakko
Published: June 2019

This article investigates how civil court judges practice meta-expertise in cases that feature contradictory and inconclusive medical expertise. The empirical case study consists of a sample of eleven Helsinki district court verdicts from 2014–2017, drawn from a larger number of similar traffic insurance compensation cases. The case-type features a medical controversy concerning traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnostics. I contend that the difficulties judges face in evaluating the medical expertise result from epistemic asymmetries between legal and medical professionals. This study highlights the importance of explaining and understanding how judges overcome uncertainty and discriminate between expert positions. Drawing from earlier studies on meta-expertise and judges’ practice of evaluating expertise in court, I introduce the concept ‘socio-technical review’ to describe judges’ practice of facilitating highly technical and esoteric scientific expertise to needs of judicial decision making. I argue that socio-technical review is a special form of practicing meta-expertise, which effectively allows meta-experts to manage epistemic asymmetries. In examining how meta-expertise is practiced in the TBI case-type, the paper contributes to general sociological understanding of decision-making under uncertainty and suggests further studies in comparable settings.
Development and Evaluation of Traffic Count Sensor with Low-Cost Light-Detection and Ranging and Continuous Wavelet Transform: Initial Results
Authors: Jagirdar Ravi , Lee Joyoung , Kim Kitae , Kang Min-Wook
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a cost-effective, non-intrusive, and easy-to-deploy traffic count data collection method using two-dimensional light-detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology. The proposed method integrates a LiDAR sensor, continuous wavelet transform (CWT), and support vector machine (SVM) into a single framework for traffic count. LiDAR is adopted since the technology is economical and easily accessible. Moreover, its 360° visibility and accurate distance information make it more reliable compared with radar, which uses electromagnetic waves instead of light rays. The obtained distance data are converted into the signals. CWT is employed to detect any deviation in distance profile, because of its efficiency in detecting modest changes over a period of time. SVM is one of the supervised machine learning tools for data classification and regression. In the methodology, the SVM is applied to classify the distance data points obtained from the sensor into detection and non-detection cases, which are highly complex. Proof-of-concept (POC) test is conducted in three different places in Newark, New Jersey, to examine the performance of the proposed method. The POC test results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves acceptable performances in vehicle count collection, resulting in 83–94% accuracy. It is discovered that the accuracy of the proposed method is affected by the color of the exterior surface of a vehicle.
The power of group work: personal recollections on Peter Bruggen
Authors: Ezquerro Arturo
Published: June 2019

This article aims to honour Peter Bruggen (17 July 1934–20 September 2018) who has been one of the great influences on adolescent mental health and, from my perspective, on innovative ‘group-analytic’, psychotherapy. Inspired by the work and ideas of Donal Winnicott, Derek Miller, Tom Main and SH Foulkes, Bruggen created an in-patient adolescent unit where all therapeutic work took place in groups. He supported the authority of the parents and, also, the developing authority of the adolescents to help them develop a sense of inner authority which they could recognize as their own.
Moisture absorption and thickness swelling behaviour of luffa fibre/epoxy composite
Authors: Bera Tanusree , Mohanta Niharika , Prakash Ved , Pradhan Subhrajit , Acharya Samir K
Published: June 2019

The present work aims to study the moisture uptake and thickness swelling behaviour and its effect on tensile and flexural properties of Luffa cylindrica epoxy composite. Characterizations of the luffa fibre surface were carried out by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Composites were casted with single, double and triple layer of Luffa cylindrica fibre reinforced with epoxy resin by general hand-layup technique. Moisture uptake tests of composites were conducted by subjecting the composite samples in three different environments such as distilled water, saltwater (5% NaCl solution) and sub-zero temperature (–25°C). The diffusivity constant, thickness swelling rate parameter ( KSR) and equilibrium moisture content were found out. The result indicates that moisture absorption pattern follows the Fickian diffusion behaviour for composites in all three environments. As the fibre layer increases, the percentage of moisture uptake increased due to high cellulose content. The mechanical properties of the composites were decreased with moisture absorption. Scanning electron microscope study was carried out to study the fracture behaviour of tested samples.
Current Trends of Cosmetic Surgical Procedures With the General Cosmetic Surgery Fellowships by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Authors: Valina Grace , Sessa Alberico
Published: June 2019

This retrospective study was performed to publish the current trends of major surgical procedures from the General Cosmetic Surgery fellowship programs offered by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2018. Data were obtained from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Fellowship data and the surgical procedures reported by fellow surgeons were analyzed from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2018. Averages, trends, correlation coefficient, and coefficient of determination were calculated using Microsoft Excel. From July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2018, the number of fellowship programs increased by 26.3%, and the fellows completed 633.3 procedures on average during their 1 year training. The most common procedures performed averaged per fellow were liposuction (215.1), breast augmentation (79.7), abdominoplasty (44.8), breast reduction/lift (38.9), and eyelid surgery (33.7). Strongest increasing trends in surgical procedures included circumferential abdominoplasty and breast re-augmentation. Strongest decreasing trends included body implants and vein procedures. The study demonstrated increasing, decreasing, and neutral trends over the academic years from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2018. Further studies can analyze causative or correlative factors.
Epidemiology of Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Jeong Anna , Oleske Denise M. , Holman Joan
Published: June 2019

Multiple sclerosis onset in youth is increasingly recognized. A systematic review was conducted to assess incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, focusing on occurrence by age subgroups and disease course. A literature search for the period 1965-2018 was carried out, selecting population-based studies of multiple sclerosis in individuals aged 19 years and younger. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. One pediatric neurologist extracted the data. Overall incidence ranged from 0.05 (95% confidence interval 0.03-0.08) to 2.85 (95% confidence interval 2.83-2.86) per 100 000 children and overall prevalence from 0.69 (95% confidence interval 0.58-0.80) to 26.92 (95% confidence interval 26.61-27.23) per 100 000 children. Incidence increased with age. The female-male ratio increased from 1.2:1 in children <12 years old to 2.8:1 in children ≥12 years old. Ten studies (n=521 children) reported disease course. Seven studies found only relapsing-remitting disease and 3 studies found primary-progressive disease in 3.0% to 6.7%. Two secondary-progressive disease cases were identified. Epidemiologic data aid in understanding the magnitude of multiple sclerosis and its clinical phenotypes, for planning for new disease-modifying therapies in the pediatric population.
Risk Factors for Mortality and Pre-ICU Fluid Balance Among Critically Ill Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Authors: Mueller Dana M. , Markovitz Barry P. , Zinter Matt S. , Takimoto Sarah W. , Khemani Robinder G.
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To examine if fluid balance surrounding pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients was associated with mortality, ventilator-free days, and intensive care unit (ICU)-free days. To explore other population-specific factors associated with poor outcome.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective review of HSCT patients admitted to 2 quaternary PICUs, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital from January 2009 to December 2014.

Results:

Of 144 patients, 92 were identified with complete fluid balance data available. No difference in fluid balance between survivors and nonsurvivors in the 24 hours preceding PICU admission ( P = .81) or when the first 24 hours of PICU stay were taken into account ( P = .48) was identified. There was no difference in ventilator-free or ICU-free days. Comparing Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM)-2, Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM)-3, and a multivariable model using independent risk factors identified through multivariable analysis, the receiver operating characteristic plot for the multivariable model (area under the curve = 0.844 [95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.92]) was superior to both PIM-2 and PRISM-3 in discriminating mortality.

Conclusions:

Fluid balance immediately preceding and early in the course of admission was not associated with mortality in PICU HSCT patients. A subset of variables was identified which better discriminated mortality in this cohort than accepted PICU severity of illness scores.
Invisible Practices: Interventions With Men Who Use Violence and Control
Authors: Heward-Belle Susan , Humphreys Cathy , Healey Lucy , Toivonen Cherie , Tsantefski Menka
Published: June 2019

Data from this article are derived from responses to questionnaires provided by 232 frontline workers and team leaders from a range of organizations across four Australian states who participated in The Invisible Practices Project: Engaging With Fathers Who Use Violence. This project was designed to explore the practices of workers who see perpetrators of domestic violence outside the relative safety of group-work programs. Thematic analysis was employed to examine the research question: What is the organizational context that contributes to, or constrains, the practices of frontline workers intervening with fathers who use violence? This article reports the ways that agencies increase the visibility of, and practices with, fathers who use violence. Increasing the visibility of fathers who use violence is posited as a crucial driver of policy and practice reform aligned with feminist goals of eliminating sexist institutional practices. It is argued that such practices render fathers who use violence invisible, reinforce patriarchal views of family roles and responsibilities, intensify the scrutiny on the mothering of women survivors, and compound the impact of domestic violence. This article documents emerging practices that seek to redress practices that support patriarchal views of family roles and responsibilities and has implications for understanding the capacity of social workers and other professionals to intervene with fathers who use violence.
On investigation of rheological, mechanical and morphological characteristics of waste polymer-based feedstock filament for 3D printing applications
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Singh Rupinder , Singh TP , Batish Ajay
Published: June 2019

In this study, a novel route for the preparation of feedstock filaments for fused deposition modelling from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste polymers has been explored. For improving the properties of HDPE/LDPE-recycled polymers, Fe powder has been reinforced through single-screw extrusion. It has been observed that Fe powder (from 0 wt% to 25 wt%) in the LDPE and HDPE matrices has shown increasing trend in melt flow index. Furthermore, Fe powder reinforcement resulted in 36.66% improvement in hardness of reinforced HDPE polymer and 64% in LDPE. Mechanical properties (peak elongation, peak strength, break strength and shore D hardness (SDH)) have been improved significantly with the addition of 6 wt% and 10 wt% reinforcement of Fe powder in the matrix of LDPE and HDPE, respectively. The results of study suggest that morphological properties, such as SDH and percentage porosity, have direct relation with mechanical properties as it has been found that the sample with better mechanical properties was also having high hardness and low porosity. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy have been performed on 3D printed functional parts and it has been observed that highly dense texture of HDPE and low surface roughness resulted in better mechanical properties.
A FEniCS-based model for prediction of boundary layer transition in low-speed aerodynamic flows
Authors: Kolaei Amir , Bramesfeld Götz
Published: June 2019

In the paper, a finite element model is developed that predicts boundary layer transition in low-speed aerodynamic flows. The model is based on a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes approach, where the incompressible form of the Navier-Stokes equations is solved together with a three-equation eddy-viscosity model utilizing the FEniCS framework. A least-square stabilized Galerkin method is employed in order to prevent numerical oscillations that can arise from dominant advection terms. The proposed FEniCS model is ideal for applications with complex geometries and is tested on high performance computing platforms for parallel processing. The FEniCS model is validated by comparing the skin friction coefficient as well as profiles of velocity and total fluctuation kinetic energy with the benchmark experimental data for transitional boundary layers on a flat plate. The validity of the solver is further examined using experimental measurements reported for a NLF(1)-0416 natural laminar flow airfoil at different angles of attack. The airfoil results are also compared with those obtained using XFOIL, a well-known tool for the design of two-dimensional airfoils. These comparisons suggest that the proposed FEniCS-based model can effectively simulate aerodynamic flow fields that involve laminar-to-turbulent transition.
Individual Differences in the Association Between Subjective Stress and Heart Rate Are Related to Psychological and Physical Well-Being
Authors: Sommerfeldt Sasha L. , Schaefer Stacey M. , Brauer Markus , Ryff Carol D. , Davidson Richard J.
Published: June 2019

The physiological response to stress is intertwined with, but distinct from, the subjective feeling of stress, although both systems must work in concert to enable adaptive responses. We investigated 1,065 participants from the Midlife in the United States 2 study who completed a self-report battery and a stress-induction procedure while physiological and self-report measures of stress were recorded. Individual differences in the association between heart rate and self-reported stress were analyzed in relation to measures that reflect psychological well-being (self-report measures of well-being, anxiety, depression), denial coping, and physical well-being (proinflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein). The within-participants association between heart rate and self-reported stress was significantly related to higher psychological well-being, fewer depressive symptoms, lower trait anxiety, less use of denial coping, and lower levels of proinflammatory biomarkers. Our results highlight the importance of studying individual differences in coherence between physiological measures and subjective mental states in relation to well-being.
Reproducing patriotism: An exploration of ‘freedom’ in US history textbooks
Authors: Pavlick Jennifer
Published: June 2019

This is an exploratory study investigating the production of the meaning of ‘freedom’ in US history textbooks used in high schools across America. Responding to current ideological division, this article investigates the production of American patriotism and identity. This study uses methods from critical discourse analysis to dissect how the language used in the textbooks produces a meaning of ‘freedom’. It then explores the production of patriotic citizens through history/civic education and questions the meaning of ‘freedom’ as a value that sits at the heart of American identity and rhetoric. The quantitative and qualitative results show that the story of ‘freedom’ in the textbooks aims to pacify the violent ruptures of history while instilling in students a sense of duty to ‘freedom’ as a cause and value worth furthering – even if its meaning is not fully explained.