bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elective replacement of peripheral intravenous cannulas in neonates
Authors: Liew Darien Daojuin , Zhou Lindsay , Chin Li Yen , Davies-Tuck Miranda , Malhotra Atul
Published: June 2020

Background:

Newborns admitted to neonatal units often require vascular access. Peripheral intravenous cannulas allow essential medication, fluids, and/or parenteral nutrition to be delivered. Peripheral intravenous cannulas are often associated with complications, such as extravasation, infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, spontaneous dislodgement, and catheter-associated blood stream infection.

Methods:

A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial evaluating standard replacement versus elective replacement (72–96 h) of peripheral intravenous cannula was conducted in a tertiary-level neonatal unit in Melbourne, Australia. The main outcome of this analysis was to assess the risk of combined adverse events associated with elective replacement of peripheral intravenous cannula. A cost analysis of the intervention was also conducted.

Results:

Combined adverse outcomes noted per infant were 48 (87.27%) in the standard replacement group versus 44 (75.86%) in the elective replacement group (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.71–1.04, p = 0.15). In terms of combined adverse outcome per 1000 intravenous hours, there was a significant risk ratio of 0.81 in the elective group compared with the standard group (95% CI 0.65–0.98, p = 0.04). Gestation (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.58; 95% CI 0.35–0.96, p = 0.03), male gender (AOR 4.65; 95% CI 1.07–20.28, p = 0.04), elective replacement (AOR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03–0.68, p = 0.01), and the total number of re-sites (AOR 27.84; 95% CI 4.61–168.18, p < 0.001) were significant risk factors associated with adverse events. There were also significantly higher costs involved with elective replacement.

Conclusion:

Elective replacement of peripheral intravenous cannulas was not shown to reduce the risk of combined adverse events. Elective peripheral intravenous cannula replacement also incurred a higher cost.
A novel technique of reimplantation of a radial artery that makes a hairpin turn to reduce the excessive vascular access flow in a dialysis patient
Authors: Katsui Sotaro , Inoue Yoshinori , Masato Nishizawa , Igari Kimihiro , Kudo Toshifumi
Published: June 2020

We report a new technique called “reimplantation of an artery with a hairpin turn (RAHT)” to reduce excessive vascular access flow. A 73-year-old woman on dialysis consulted us for vascular surgery because of an increased cardiac preload. Chest radiography and echocardiography revealed an excessive shunt flow in the brachial artery (flow rate, 2336 mL/min). Vascular echo-Doppler of the left upper limb showed that the radial artery made a hairpin turn at the arteriovenous fistula (diameter, 9 mm). Diameters of the radial artery proximal and distal to the arteriovenous fistula were 5.4 and 3.7 mm, respectively. We ligated and divided the juxta-anastomosis proximal radial artery and subsequently created an end-to-side anastomosis between the proximal radial artery and the distal radial artery. The anastomosis ostium in the distal radial artery (the recipient) was formed with a 4-mm longitudinal and gently curved incision. We performed RAHT so that the small anastomosis between both arteries and the small diameter of the distal radial artery juxta-anastomosis segment could reduce the vascular access flow. The flow rates in the brachial artery were 500 mL/min just after surgery and 560 mL/min at 2 months after surgery. Postoperative chest radiography and echocardiography confirmed a decrease in cardiac preload. We believe that this RAHT technique could be useful as one of the options to reduce the flow in patients who have excessive vascular access flow with a radial artery that makes a hairpin turn.
When gender studies becomes a threatening religion
Authors: Martinsson Lena
Published: June 2020

The transnational anti-gender movement often has a strong connection to conservative religious organisations. However, even if the anti-gender movement is easy to recognise in Sweden, it is impossible for it to propagate significant opposition to gender mainstreaming and gender studies by using the Church as a reference due to white Swedish people’s established and neo-colonial image of Sweden as exceptional, secular, modern, and a gender equal and tolerant nation. The aim of this article is to analyse how a transnational anti-gender discourse transforms and produces fear in a Swedish context. In focus is the editorial writer for Svenska Dagbladet, one of Sweden’s most influential newspapers, Ivar Arpi and his critical articles and expressions in social media on gender studies and gender mainstreaming. The material shows that instead of connecting to religion in order to dismiss gender studies, gender studies is understood as the religion and conspiracy of our time, governing the state and its citizens. Drawing on Sara Ahmed, I argue that it is possible to follow how words and discourses act in affective ways and how gender studies, gender ideology and gender mainstreaming become a single body that inspires fear.
Rethinking leadership: understanding the roles of the US and China in the negotiation of the Paris Agreement
Authors: Eckersley Robyn
Published: June 2020

The study of leadership in International Relations has followed two different paths: work on hegemony and work on different leadership types in international negotiations. Yet there is little overlap between them and no agreement on the distinctive features of leadership and what connects leaders and followers in a collective pursuit. This article critically engages with both literatures and offers a reconceptualization of leadership as a form of legitimated asymmetrical influence that is marked off from domination and performs an important social function in facilitating collective agency towards common goals in a given community. This account is then operationalised in relation to multilateral negotiations to examine and clarify the roles of the United States and China in the negotiation of the mitigation provisions of the Paris Agreement. It is shown that the US under the Obama administration performed a sustained but largely transactional leadership role in bringing the parties to an agreement while China’s role was predominantly that of a defensive co-operator but with significant moments of shared leadership with the US towards the endgame. The analysis shows that, despite growing international expectations, China, unlike the United States, did not see its role as leading the world.
Physical literacy in children and adolescents: Definitions, assessments, and interventions
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Senlin
Published: June 2020

Physical literacy has become a focus in school physical education and youth sports programs. Despite the global attention, physical literacy remains an elusive concept in regards to its definition, assessment, and interventions. In this article, we review the existing scholarship on physical literacy definitions, assessments, and interventions. We first present the historic evolution of physical literacy and the various definitions, followed by a synthesis of its underlying components. We next summarize the current physical literacy assessments along with a commentary on the challenges to accurately and feasibly assess the concept. Following this we describe the characteristics and efficacy of the existing physical literacy-related interventions in children and adolescents. The article concludes with an interpretive discussion of the findings to stimulate future efforts of research, practice, and policy for fostering physically literate individuals.
Frameworks for program evaluation: Considerations on research, practice, and institutions
Authors: Arbour Ghislain
Published: June 2020

The term “evaluation framework” and other associated terms are common in the practice and the discipline of program evaluation. These terms correspond to a variety of meanings across contexts and organizations and, thus, tend to lack overall consistency. In response, this article provides a model to analyze frameworks for program evaluation organized around four dimensions. The model states that a framework for evaluation is an intellectual framework made of concepts and/or theories (first dimension: types of ideas) about an object related to evaluation (second dimension: object), where the said concepts and theories can be positive and/or normative (third dimension: analytical perspective). These three dimensions provide the means to describe, explain, or judge an evaluation-related matter. A fourth and optional dimension, the institutional character of a framework, allows an evaluation framework to become a form of regulation for behaviors related to program evaluation (fourth dimension: institutional dimension).
Goal achievement and adaptive goal adjustment in a behavioral intervention for participants with prediabetes
Authors: Huttunen-Lenz Maija , Hansen Sylvia , Vestentoft Pia Siig , Meinert Larsen Thomas , Westerterp-Plantenga Margriet , Drummen Mathijs , Adam Tanja , Macdonald Ian , Taylor Moira , Simpson Elizabeth , Martinez J Alfredo , Navas-Carretero Santiago , Handjieva-Darlenska Teodora , Poppitt Sally D , Silvestre Martha P , Fogelholm Mikael , Jalo Elli , Muirhead Roslyn , Brodie Shannon , Brand-Miller Jennie , Raben Anne , Schlicht Wolfgang
Published: June 2020

Participants with prediabetes were supported to achieve and maintain weight loss with a stage-based behavior change group program named PREview behavior Modification Intervention Toolbox (PREMIT). The tendency to engage in a process of goal adjustment was examined in relation to PREMIT attendance. Analyses were based on 1857 participants who had achieved ⩾8percent weight loss. Tendency to engage in a process of goal adjustment appeared not to be influenced by PREMIT attendance. Instead, results suggested that when unsure about reaching an intervention goal, participants were more likely to engage in a process of goal adjustment, possibly lessening distress due to potentially unachievable goals, either weight loss or maintenance.
Yiddish–Lithuanian bilingualism: Incomplete acquisition, change through contacts, or both?
Authors: Verschik Anna
Published: June 2020

Aims and Objectives/Purposes/Research Questions:

Studies on incomplete first language (L1) acquisition emphasize restricted input, the low prestige of heritage/immigrant/minority languages, and age of acquisition as significant factors contributing to changes in L1. However, it is not always clear whether it is possible to distinguish results of incomplete acquisition and contact-induced language change. This article deals with two Yiddish–Lithuanian bilinguals who acquired both languages at home (recorded in 2010 and 2011). The focus of the article is the absence of the Yiddish past tense auxiliary in both informants and the replacement of Yiddish discourse-pragmatic words by their Lithuanian or English equivalents in the speech of the second informant.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

Qualitative analysis of the speech of two Yiddish–Lithuanian bilinguals.

Data and Analysis:

Two sets of recordings analyzed for the past tense use and other features mentioned in Yiddish attrition studies.

Findings/Conclusions:

Restricted input is to be considered as a factor in any case. However, it is argued that phenomena reported in the heritage language literature are often the same as in the contact linguistic literature: impact on non-core morphosyntax, prosody, and word order are usually mentioned as primary candidates of contact-induced structural change. Based on purely linguistic phenomena, it is not possible to distinguish between the results of acquisition under the conditions of limited input and in other contact situations where limited input is not necessarily the case. Many features of the informants’ Yiddish are a result of Lithuanian impact.

Originality:

Yiddish–Lithuanian early bilingualism is extremely rare nowadays. The data and analysis contribute to a general understanding of the interplay between contact-induced language change and limited input.

Significance/Implications:

Unlike what is often presumed, it is not always possible to make comparisons to monolinguals or balanced bilinguals because monolingual speakers of Yiddish do not exist.
‘Glow from the inside out’: Deliciously Ella and the politics of ‘healthy eating’
Authors: O’Neill Rachel
Published: June 2020

This article examines the branded persona of Ella Mills, founder of the multi-platform, multi-product and multi-million pound food brand Deliciously Ella. It begins from the premise that Mills represents a new kind of cultural intermediary: that of the wellness entrepreneur. Through a discourse analysis of Mills’ own media productions alongside news and magazine features about the entrepreneur, I consider how ‘healthy eating’ is being sold to young women as a means to realise physical and financial empowerment. Commercial entrepreneurship is made to function in tandem with health entrepreneurship, as Mills makes it her business to model a healthy lifestyle and enjoins others to follow this example. The article further examines how the Deliciously Ella narrative perpetuates already dominant understandings of health as a private good and personal responsibility through its emphasis on healing and recovery through food. Relating this analysis to recent debates about the shifting terrain of postfeminism in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, I argue that the spotlighting of Mills elevates self-care as a gendered imperative while obfuscating the classed and racialised privileges that attend this.
Lay theory of generalized prejudice moderates cardiovascular stress responses to racism for White women
Authors: Chaney Kimberly E. , Sanchez Diana T. , Himmelstein Mary S. , Manuel Sara K.
Published: June 2020

Research on stigma by prejudice transfer has demonstrated that White women anticipate sexism when interacting with a racist individual due to a belief that prejudices stem from an underlying ideology of group inequality. The present research proposes that individuals’ lay theory of generalized prejudice (LTGP) varies across individuals and examines cardiovascular stress responses (high frequency heart rate variability [HF-HRV] and preejection period [PEP]). White women who held a lay theory of generalized prejudice and were evaluated by a White man with negative attitudes towards Black Americans demonstrated greater cardiovascular reactivity (decreases in parasympathetic activity [Studies 1 and 2] and shortened PEP [Study 2] from baseline to evaluation) than White women being evaluated by a neutral evaluator or who did not hold a lay theory of generalized prejudice. The present studies are the first to demonstrate cardiovascular stress responses to stigma by prejudice transfer and to highlight LTGP as a key individual difference in stigma by prejudice transfer.
Are we really better together? A bottom-up aggregation of communal orientation and its effect on interdependent decision-making
Authors: Sanner Bret , Ziauddin Hassan , Chou Eileen
Published: June 2020

Though communal orientation impacts how people interact, and members’ interactions influence interdependent decision-making, communal orientation’s impact on interdependent decision-making has received little attention. We address this by applying interdependence theory to take a bottom-up approach across three studies. We find that individuals who are higher on communal orientation are less likely to use prohibitive voice. We also show that dyadic communal orientation harms interdependent decision performance by lowering the amount of prohibitive voice used. At the team level, we find that team communal orientation is negatively related to interdependent decision performance unless the team is also high on relationship orientation diversity, which has a positive effect on interdependent decision performance. Combined, these studies contribute to the communal orientation literature by extending it to an important context—interdependent decision-making—and helping it be more balanced by demonstrating communal orientation’s downside.
Gambling among 16-year-olds and associated covariates: A Nordic comparison
Authors: Spångberg Jessika , Svensson Johan
Published: June 2020

Aims: This study aimed to compare the prevalence in different gambling types as well as problem gambling in the Nordic countries, examining gambling, leisure activities, school truancy, parental relations and consumption of alcohol and other substances as covariates for problem gambling. Methods: Cross-country data were provided by the European Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) 2015. Prevalence of gambling and potential covariates were analysed for Denmark, Finland, Iceland Norway and Sweden ( N=13,172 respondents aged 16 years), while analyses regarding problem gambling only included countries that participated in the optional questions on gambling problems (Denmark, Finland and Sweden; N=8108). We tested variables for problem gambling by bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Cross-country differences were found in gambling and problem gambling, as well as differences in covariates for problem gambling. Sweden had the lowest rate of problem gambling. No significant difference was found between Denmark and Finland. Reports of too much gaming, inhalants, slots, betting and online gambling were positively associated with problem gambling, while parental monitoring and parental caring had a negative association. The relevance of the covariates varied across countries. Conclusions: Results indicate that although gambling regulation and its implementation have an important impact on gambling behaviour, we need more research on social, economic and cultural factors and how youth understand and interact with them. Contexts and regulations in other related fields should inform gambling research, policies and interventions.
Once arrived: A qualitative study of refugees and service providers in the first six months of resettlement
Authors: Dubus Nicole
Published: June 2020

Background

The world has been facing a chronic refugee crisis. Nations that accept refugees are expected to provide culturally effective services, often without benefit of an evidence-based approach to resettlement.

This study examines refugee service providers in three municipalities in Iceland and the recipients in the first six months of resettlement. Through a purposeful sampling (N = 35) of social workers and program managers (N = 10) and adult Syrian refugees (N = 25) who had arrived in Iceland six months prior, interviews were conducted and analyzed for thematic content.

Findings

Providers developed methods for providing services that varied depending on resources and their expectations for the recipients. Recipients’ expectations influenced which services were perceived helpful. Integration had different meanings among the participants, and those differences informed experiences of resettlement.

Applications

Countries can benefit from creating a team among the service sectors. Providers were unable to anticipate needs of refugees despite careful planning. The perceived importance of language acquisition varied among the participants. Community involvement was seen as a critical factor in the resettlement process. The initial case management of the families consumed more time and energy than some of the providers expected.
Collaborative investigation of the internal flow and near-nozzle flow of an eight-hole gasoline injector (Engine Combustion Network Spray G)
Authors: Mohapatra Chinmoy K , Schmidt David P , Sforzo Brandon A , Matusik Katarzyna E , Yue Zongyu , Powell Christopher F , Som Sibendu , Mohan Balaji , Im Hong G , Badra Jihad , Bode Mathis , Pitsch Heinz , Papoulias Dimitrios , Neroorkar Kshitij , Muzaferija Samir , Martí-Aldaraví Pedro , Martínez María
Published: June 2020

The internal details of fuel injectors have a profound impact on the emissions from gasoline direct injection engines. However, the impact of injector design features is not currently understood, due to the difficulty in observing and modeling internal injector flows. Gasoline direct injection flows involve moving geometry, flash boiling, and high levels of turbulent two-phase mixing. In order to better simulate these injectors, five different modeling approaches have been employed to study the engine combustion network Spray G injector. These simulation results have been compared to experimental measurements obtained, among other techniques, with X-ray diagnostics, allowing the predictions to be evaluated and critiqued. The ability of the models to predict mass flow rate through the injector is confirmed, but other features of the predictions vary in their accuracy. The prediction of plume width and fuel mass distribution varies widely, with volume-of-fluid tending to overly concentrate the fuel. All the simulations, however, seem to struggle with predicting fuel dispersion and by inference, jet velocity. This shortcoming of the predictions suggests a need to improve Eulerian modeling of dense fuel jets.
Exploring the high load potential of diesel–methanol dual-fuel operation with Miller cycle, exhaust gas recirculation, and intake air cooling on a heavy-duty diesel engine
Authors: Guan Wei , Wang Xinyan , Zhao Hua , Liu Haifeng
Published: June 2020

Legislations concerning emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines are becoming increasingly stringent. This requires conventional diesel combustion to be compliant using costly and sophisticated aftertreatment systems. Preferably, diesel–methanol dual-fuel is one of the suitable alternative combustion modes as it can potentially reduce the formation of nitrogen oxide and soot emissions which characterised the diesel mixing-controlled combustion. This is primarily due to the high latent heat of vaporisation and oxygen content of the methanol fuel. At high engine loads, however, the potential of diesel–methanol dual-fuel operation is constrained by the excessive combustion pressure rise rate and peak in-cylinder pressure, which limits both the engine efficiency and the percentage of methanol that can be used. For the first time, experimental studies were conducted to explore advanced combustion control strategies such as Miller cycle, exhaust gas recirculation, and intake air cooling for improving upon high load diesel–methanol dual-fuel combustion. Experiments were carried out at 1200 r/min and 18 bar indicated mean effective pressure on a single-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine, which equipped with a high pressure common rail diesel injection, a methanol port fuel injection, and a variable valve actuation system on the intake camshaft. Results showed that the methanol energy fraction of a conventional diesel–methanol dual-fuel operation with a baseline intake valve closing timing was limited to 28%. This was due to the high combustion temperature at a high load which advanced the ignition timing of the premixed charge, resulting in high levels of pressure rise rate. The application of lower effective compression ratio and intake air temperature ( Tint) effectively decreased the compression temperature, which successfully delayed the ignition timing of the premixed charge. This allowed for a more advanced diesel injection timing to achieve improvement in the thermal efficiency and potentially enabled a higher methanol substitution ratio. Although the introduction of exhaust gas recirculation demonstrated very slight impact on the ignition timing of the premixed charge, a higher net indicated efficiency was observed due to a relatively lower local combustion temperature which reduced heat transfer loss. Moreover, the optimised diesel–methanol dual-fuel operation allowed a higher methanol energy fraction of 40% to be used at an effective compression ratio of 14.3 and Tint of 305 K and achieved the highest net indicated efficiency of 47.4%, improving by 3.7% and 2.6%, respectively, when compared to the optimised conventional diesel combustion (45.7%) and conventional diesel–methanol dual-fuel (46.2%). This improvement was accompanied with a reduction of 37% in nitrogen oxide emissions and little impact on soot emissions in comparison with the conventional diesel combustion.
Time reversal damage localization in concrete based on two-dimensional meso-scale modeling
Authors: Gao Weihang , Zhang Caiyan , Song Gangbing , Li Hong-Nan
Published: June 2020

In this article, a damage localization method in concrete materials based on time reversal theory and meso-scale finite element simulation considering random heterogeneous properties is developed. In this article, concrete is regarded as a multiphase composite material consisting of cement mortar matrix, coarse aggregates, and interface transition zones. Compared to other methods, which assume that concrete is homogeneous, the meso-scale model considers the intricacies of concrete inhomogeneity and can therefore better characterize the interaction between stress waves and internal structures of concrete material. Through the meso-scale method, acoustic phenomena including reflection, transmission, and diffraction among internal structures of concrete can be modeled. Furthermore, a novel time reversal based, damage imaging method is developed using the envelope of the refocused damage scattering signal to monitor the health condition of concrete. The scattered signal received by each sensor is time reversed and reemitted via numerical computation. To decrease the dispersion effect, the autocorrelation function of the refocused signals is computed to generate an image of the estimated damage. A time correction factor is introduced to decrease the influence of the elongated wave packet. Numerical and experimental results indicate that the proposed damage imaging method can locate damage with high spatial resolution in heterogeneous concrete material. Moreover, owing to the meso-scale modeling, the propagation of high-frequency stress waves in concrete can be analyzed more accurately.
The role of victims’ lawyers in criminal proceedings in the Netherlands
Authors: Elbers Nieke A , Meijer Sonja , Becx Iris M , Schijns Arlette JJG , Akkermans Arno J
Published: June 2020

The role of the victim in the criminal trial process has evolved considerably in recent decades. On a European level, an important driver has been the EU Directive 2012/29/EU, according to which European countries are legally bound to afford certain rights to crime victims. In the Netherlands, the EU Directive has instigated several extensions of existing victims’ rights, and in the Code of Criminal Procedure a separate section has been devoted to the victim. The current study specifically addresses one of the victims’ rights, that is, the right to be legally represented. The Dutch government has financially invested in access to and specialization of victim lawyers in order to promote the realization of victims’ rights, specifically for victims of serious crimes and sex offences. The goal of the current study was to investigate the added value of victim lawyers and the extent to which they contribute to the fulfilment of victims’ rights in the criminal law process. A literature study was conducted to examine legislation pertaining to victims’ rights; a questionnaire study was conducted to investigate the perspective of victim lawyers ( n = 148); and interviews were conducted to examine the perspective of the police, Victim Support Netherlands, Public Prosecuting Service, and criminal courts ( n = 17). The results show that victim lawyers were important to the realization of victims’ rights. They were considered most necessary with respect to the right to claim compensation and with respect to the right to gain access to the case file. They were also required because victims’ rights have not yet been smoothly incorporated into legal practice. In addition, victim lawyers’ presence in the courtroom was considered important because it contributes to victims experiencing that they are taken seriously. It has been concluded that the support of victim lawyers is an important contribution to victim participation in criminal proceedings.
Risk and Reflection in the Academic Workplace
Authors: Walker Judith , Oldford Stephanie
Published: June 2020

The Problem

Universities are workplaces designed for learning, research, and reflection. In recent years, an amalgam of issues, both internal and external, have emerged, making critical reflection more difficult and riskier for both academic and nonacademic staff.

The Solution

We argue that positive leadership, dialogue, and group connection can help counter increasing isolation and in effect make reflection more possible.

The Stakeholders

This article is relevant not only to human resource development (HRD) scholars and practitioners within the context of postsecondary institutions but also to large and complex bureaucratic organizations grappling with a changing landscape of employment.
Normative Influence on Household Waste Separation: The Moderating Effect of Policy Implementation and Sociodemographic Variables
Authors: Issock Paul Blaise Issock , Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Mpinganjira Mercy
Published: June 2020

Background:

With the increasing production of domestic waste in South African urban areas, household waste separation has become a crucial recycling activity for better management of domestic waste and a decrease in environmental pollution.

Focus of the article:

This empirical study investigates how normative influences can shape the intention to separate household waste and how these influences are moderated by sociodemographic attributes and upstream social marketing interventions (recycling policy implementation).

Research Hypotheses:

The hypotheses stipulate that descriptive, injunctive, and moral norms have an influence on the behavioral intention to separate household waste before disposal. Policy implementation and sociodemographic variables moderate the impact of these normative forces on behavioral intention.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was applied to this study. A survey was administered to collect quantitative data from 350 households residing in a city that is currently implementing a mandatory recycling policy (Johannesburg) and from 349 households in a city that is not doing so (Tshwane). Structural equation modeling and moderation analysis were the main data analysis techniques applied to this study.

Results:

The findings underline the importance of injunctive and moral norms in influencing the intention to separate household waste. Gender and age appeared to play an important moderating role in the relationships between norms and behavioral intention. Policy implementation had no effect on the reported influences of social and moral norms on the intention to separate household waste.

Recommendations for Practice:

Policy makers in emerging markets are encouraged to apply more persuasive and decisive actions such as financial incentives (or disincentives) that will motivate households to comply with recycling policies.

Limitations:

One limitation of this study is the application of a cross-sectional design relying on self-reported measures of norms and behavioral intention.
The Demand for the Characteristics of Football Matches: A Hedonic Price Approach
Authors: García Jaume , Rodríguez Plácido , Todeschini Federico
Published: June 2020

We estimate a system of demand equations for three aggregate characteristics of a football game—quality of the teams, outcome uncertainty, and schedule—based on the estimation of a hedonic price model for the ticket price of a football match using data from the Spanish football league. We conclude that all three characteristics are not inferior goods (quality as a luxury), and they are price inelastic, showing some degree of complementarity. Some implications of these results in terms of the measures taken and to be taken by the Spanish association of football clubs (LaLiga) are discussed.
Regular Use of FlowAid FA100 SCCD Reduces Pain While Increasing Perfusion and Tissue Oxygenation in Contralateral Limbs of Amputees With Diabetic Neuropathy and Peripheral Arterial Disease: Results of an Open, Pre-Post Intervention, Single-Center Study
Authors: Ramar Suganya , Rajsekar Seena , Selvaraj Bamila , Viswanathan Vijay , Mani Raj
Published: June 2020

Patients with diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease often suffer pain, develop foot wounds, and go on to lose limbs leaving them with a painful limb. Electrical stimulation is one possibility open to physicians. In this study, the effects of the FlowAid FA100 SCCD, a sequential contraction compression device, were tested. The FA100 device is noninvasive; it uses 4 electrodes to sequentially stimulate the calf muscles in a modified intermittent pneumatic compression manner. A total of 14 patients with diabetic neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, unilateral amputation, and a painful limb were treated with FlowAid FA100 (FlowAid Medical Technologies Corporation, New York, NY) with prior ethical approval. The study design was open, pre-post intervention comparison, and nonrandomized. Pain perceived was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. Assessments of ankle brachial index (ABI), ultrasound color Duplex, and tissue oxygen using the transcutaneous oxygen technique were done at baseline and 2 successive follow-ups 4 weeks apart. Three out of 14 patients dropped out on account of distances involved in traveling to the clinic. Eleven out of 14 patients experienced statistically significant reduction in pain mean VAS scores (7.5 ± 0.93 to 5.8 ± 1.47, P = .002) associated with increase in ABI (0.64 ± 0.06 to 0.69 ± 0.04, P < .001) and transcutaneous oxygen tension measured on the dorsum (29.4 ± 4.03 to 33.2 ± 5.26 in mm Hg, P = .005). When pain scores were regressed against ABI and transcutaneous oxygen tension values, there was a significant association between these ( r = 0.8, P = .002). The reduction in pain following regular use of FlowAid was accompanied by beneficial and statistically significant increases in perfusion and oxygenation.
Reconstruction of Sacral Pressure Ulcer Using a Modified Parasacral Perforator-Based Flap (Maple Leaf Design): An Easier Method for Beginners
Authors: Kyung Hyun Woo , Ko Geonil , Song Seung Han , Oh Sang-Ha , Ha Yooseok
Published: June 2020

Background. Many different operative options have been used to cover sacral defects. Perforator flap enables wide defect reconstruction with long pedicle and a large arc of rotation while preserving gluteus maximus muscle, but the risk of vessel injury can jeopardize flap survival. Perforator-based flap, the flap transposed without skeletonization of the perforator, requires much experience to be perfect in flap design to achieve tension-free closure. Methods. Fourteen modified parasacral perforator-based flap procedures were carried out on 14 patients. The records of patients at Chungnam National University Hospital from February 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Results. All 14 flaps survived completely. One patient developed localized hematoma, and another presented with latent seroma. No donor or recipient site dehiscence or recurrence occurred during follow-up. Conclusion. We present our experience of a parasacral perforator-based flap with modified design of bilobed flaps. It could be performed easily and safely with less wound dehiscence and serve as a good practice model for young surgeons to cover small to moderately sized defects.
Postoperative Remote Monitoring with a Transcutaneous Biosensing Patch: Preliminary Evaluation of Data Collection
Authors: Vix Michel , Rodriguez Maylis , Ignat Mihaela , Marescaux Jacques , Diana Michele , Mutter Didier
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Connected systems transmitting vital parameters could well represent a tool to shorten postoperative hospital stay while providing continuous remote patient monitoring and potentially detect the onset of complications. Our aim was to analyze the functionality of a transcutaneous biosensing data collection patch in morbidly obese patients. Materials and Methods. An adhesive patch (The HealthPatch MD™) was applied to patients’ chests postoperatively. The patch was connected to a tablet via a bluetooth network to collect the heart rate, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and posture recognition data. The tablet conveyed data to a secure health data central server by means of a WiFi or 3G/4G transmission. Data were stored in a digital health platform to which health care professionals could connect. The evaluation focused on the volume, quality, and security of data transmission. A pilot phase involved 10 patients. Thirty-three additional patients undergoing bariatric surgery were included in the experimental phase. Results. The mean length of stay was 2.28 days (range: 2-5 days). The mean time of patch application was 51 ± 25.2 hours per patient (range: 19-139 hours), totalizing 1,683 hours of recording for the 33 patients included. During this time, a total of 7.562.531 data measurement points were collected and transmitted to the e-health platform via the patch. Two total disconnections and two partial disconnections were observed. The acquisition of patient postural data was unreliable. Conclusions. Connected telemetry for remote postoperative monitoring is promising. However, it is still limited by data transmission problems.
The use of statistical techniques to study the machine parameters affecting the properties of 3D printed cotton/polylactic acid fabrics
Authors: Mpofu Nonsikelelo Sheron , Mwasiagi Josphat Igadwa , Nkiwane Londiwe Cynthia , Githinji David Njuguna
Published: June 2020

Textile materials have been combined with polymers using 3D printing technology, thus producing structures with novel properties. The aim of this study was to use statistical methods to determine the effect of 3D printing machine parameters on the mechanical properties of cotton fabrics combined with polylactic acid. Polylactic acid was printed on a cotton fabric using an Athena Fused Deposition Modelling 3D printer. The effect of extrusion temperature, printing speed, fill density and model height on adhesion force before and after washing was investigated. A study of the tensile strength was also undertaken using a central composite rotatable design and regression analysis. The experimental data were used to develop regression models to predict the properties of the cotton/ polylactic acid structures. The model for adhesion force before washing yielded a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.75 and an optimum adhesion force of 50.06 N/cm. The model for adhesion force had an R2 value of 0.84 and an optimum adhesion force of 42.91 N/cm and showed that adhesion force reduced after washing. Adhesion forces before and after washing were both positively correlated to extrusion temperature. However, they reduced with an increase in printing speed and model height. A positive correlation exists between tensile strength and temperature, while a negative correlation exists between tensile strength and printing speed and model height. From the results of this study, it was concluded that 3D printing parameters have an effect on the properties of the structures.
Filar arteriovenous fistula associated with anomalous common posterior intercostal arterial trunk – A case report and review of literature
Authors: Nadarajah Jeyaseelan , Sebastian Leve Joseph Devarajan , Puneeth KT , Prabhakar Anuj , Garg Ajay , Gaikwad SB , Kumar Amandeep
Published: June 2020

An anomalous common trunk giving rise to bilateral intercostal arteries at multiple levels is exceedingly rare and its association with spinal filar AVF and low-lying cord has not been reported so far. Here, we report this uncommon anatomical variation in a 60-year-old male who presented with paraplegia and on imaging found to have low-lying spinal cord with filar AVF and venous congestive myelopathy and discuss its embryological basis and associated malformations. Although rare, interventional radiologists should be aware of this entity, as these trunks may be a major source of bleeding in patients with hemoptysis, and also may be involved in vital spinal cord supply.
Early blood pressure management for endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke: A review of the literature
Authors: Han Bin , Sun Xuan , Tong Xu , Raynald  , Jia Baixue , Mo Dapeng , Li Xiaoqing , Luo Gang , Miao Zhongrong
Published: June 2020

The perioperative optimal blood pressure targets during mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke are uncertain, and randomized controlled trials addressing this issue are lacking. There is still no consensus on the optimal target for perioperative blood pressure in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. In addition, there are many confounding factors that can influence the outcome including the patient’s clinical history and stroke characteristics. We review the factors that have an impact on perioperative blood pressure change and discuss the influence of perioperative blood pressure on functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy. In conclusion, we suggest that blood pressure should be carefully and flexibly managed perioperatively in patient-received mechanical thrombectomy. Blood pressure changes during mechanical thrombectomy were independently correlated with poor prognosis, and blood pressure should be maintained in a normal range perioperatively. Postoperative blood pressure control is associated with recanalization status in which successful recanalization requires normal range blood pressure (systolic blood pressure 120–140 mmHg), while non-recanalization requires higher blood pressure (systolic blood pressure 160–180 mmHg). The preoperative blood pressure targets for mechanical thrombectomy should be tailored based on the patient’s clinical history (systolic blood pressure ≤185 mmHg). Blood pressure should be carefully and flexibly managed intraoperatively (systolic blood pressure 140–180 mmHg) in patient-received endovascular therapy.
Hybrid procedures in the dialysis fistula aneurysm treatment
Authors: Góra Rafał , Bojakowski Krzysztof , Foroncewicz Bartosz , Kaźmierczak Stanisław , Andziak Piotr
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Dialysis fistula aneurysms are common complications which in selective cases require surgical revision. It is recommended to detect and treat outflow stenosis concurrent with a dialysis fistula aneurysm, but usually, the treatment is divided into two stages – the open and endovascular stages are performed separately. We describe the results of hybrid procedures composed of aneurysm resection and endovascular correction for outflow veins performed for a dialysis fistula aneurysm treatment.

Methods

From March 2012, we performed hybrid procedures in 28 patients to correct dialysis fistula aneurysms. Patients, dialysis access, operative data, and the results obtained during a median follow-up of 28.5 months were analyzed.

Results

For dialysis fistula aneurysm correction, we performed 27 bypasses and 1 aneurysmorraphy. For outflow vein stenosis correction, we performed standard balloon angioplasty, no stents or stentgraft were used. The average increase in minimal diameter after angioplasty was 135.5% (range 57–275%). The 12- and 24-month primary patency rates of corrected fistulas in the observed group were 92.3% and 80%, respectively. A significant difference in the one-year patency rates between the urgent and planned procedures was observed (81.2% vs. 100%, respectively). No early complications related to endovascular or open procedures were observed. Late complications were observed in seven patients (25%) – mainly thrombosis caused by the recurrence of outflow vein stenosis (six patients, 21.5%), infection, lymphocele, and hematoma (one case of each complication).

Conclusions

A hybrid procedure for the surgical correction of dialysis fistula aneurysms with the simultaneous correction of outflow pathologies enables effective long-term treatment. The obtained data showed the efficiency and good results of this procedure. Procedures performed for urgent indications significantly increase the risk for later complications, especially fistula thrombosis and loss of dialysis access.
BOLeRo: Behavior optimization and learning for robots
Authors: Fabisch Alexander , Langosz Malte , Kirchner Frank
Published: June 2020

Reinforcement learning and behavior optimization are becoming more and more popular in the field of robotics because algorithms are mature enough to tackle real problems in this domain. Robust implementations of state-of-the-art algorithms are often not publicly available though, and experiments are hardly reproducible because open-source implementations are often not available or are still in a stage of research code. Consequently, often it is infeasible to deploy these algorithms on robotic systems. BOLeRo closes this gap for policy search and evolutionary algorithms by delivering open-source implementations of behavior learning algorithms for robots. It is easy to integrate in robotic middlewares and it can be used to compare methods and develop prototypes in simulation.
Phenotyping issues for exploring electronic health records to design clinical trials
Authors: Schnall Jill , Zhang LingJiao , Chen Jinbo
Published: June 2020

For utilizing electronic health records to help design and conduct clinical trials, an essential first step is to select eligible patients from electronic health records, that is, electronic health record phenotyping. We present two novel statistical methods that can be used in the context of electronic health record phenotyping. One mitigates the requirement for gold-standard control patients in developing phenotyping algorithms, and the other effectively corrects for bias in downstream analysis introduced by study samples contaminated by ineligible subjects.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of complementary and alternative medicine: a survey of Iranian nurses
Authors: Zeighami Maryam , Soltani-Nejad Somayeh
Published: June 2020

Background

Development of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage makes it necessary for nurses to be up to date about these treatments. However, much information is needed about the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses in this field.

Aims

The present study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of CAM in nurses working in Iranian hospitals.

Methods

It was a descriptive study. A researcher-made questionnaire was completed by nurses working in four hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-three nurses completed the questionnaire (response rate = 83.8%). Most nurses had little knowledge of CAM. The most familiar methods were Nutrition, Massage Therapy and Herbal Medicine. Of the nurses, 71.1% believed that CAM would be effective in disease treatment, showing their positive attitude toward CAM; 1.56% of nurses used CAM, and most nurses did not use CAM in clinical settings.

Conclusions

Although nurses have a positive attitude toward CAM, their knowledge level is low. Regarding nurses’ role in patients’ treatment and the importance of their capability to treat, the need to increase nurses’ knowledge of CAM is felt, and its education should be included in the nursing curriculum.