bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rising Planetary Boundary Layer Height over the Sahara Desert and Arabian Peninsula in a Warming Climate
Authors: Zhou Liming , Tian Yuhong , Wei Nan , Ho Shu-peng , Li Jing
Published: February 2021

Turbulent mixing in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) governs the vertical exchange of heat, moisture, momentum, trace gases, and aerosols in the surface–atmosphere interface. The PBL height (PBLH) represents the maximum height of the free atmosphere that is directly influenced by Earth’s surface. This study uses a multidata synthesis approach from an ensemble of multiple global datasets of radiosonde observations, reanalysis products, and climate model simulations to examine the spatial patterns of long-term PBLH trends over land between 60°S and 60°N for the period 1979–2019. By considering both the sign and statistical significance of trends, we identify large-scale regions where the change signal is robust and consistent to increase our confidence in the obtained results. Despite differences in the magnitude and sign of PBLH trends over many areas, all datasets reveal a consensus on increasing PBLH over the enormous and very dry Sahara Desert and Arabian Peninsula (SDAP) and declining PBLH in India. At the global scale, the changes in PBLH are significantly correlated positively with the changes in surface heating and negatively with the changes in surface moisture, consistent with theory and previous findings in the literature. The rising PBLH is in good agreement with increasing sensible heat and surface temperature and decreasing relative humidity over the SDAP associated with desert amplification, while the declining PBLH resonates well with increasing relative humidity and latent heat and decreasing sensible heat and surface warming in India. The PBLH changes agree with radiosonde soundings over the SDAP but cannot be validated over India due to lack of good-quality radiosonde observations.
Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Splenectomy in Management of Non-traumatic Splenic Pathologies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bhattacharya Pratik , Phelan Liam , Fisher Simon , Hajibandeh Shahab , Hajibandeh Shahin
Published: February 2021

We aimed to evaluate comparative outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic splenectomy in patients with non-traumatic splenic pathologies. A systematic search of electronic databases and bibliographic reference lists were conducted, and a combination of free text and controlled vocabulary search adapted to thesaurus headings, search operators and limits in electronic databases were applied. Intraoperative and post-operative complications, wound infection, haematoma, conversion to open procedure, return to theatre, volume of blood loss, procedure time and length of hospital stay were the evaluated outcome parameters. We identified 8 comparative studies reporting a total of 560 patients comparing outcomes of robotic ( n = 202) and laparoscopic ( n = 258) splenectomies. The robotic approach was associated with significantly lower volume of blood loss (MD: −82.53 mls, 95% CI −161.91 to −3.16, P = .04) than the laparoscopic approach. There was no significant difference in intraoperative complications (OR: 0.68, 95% CI .21-2.01, P = .51), post-operative complications (OR: .91, 95% CI .40-2.06, P = .82), wound infection (RD: -.01, 95% CI -.04-.03, P = .78), haematoma (OR: 0.40, 95% CI .04-4.03, P = .44), conversion to open (OR: 0.63; 95% CI, .24-1.70, P = .36), return to theatre (RD: −.04, 95% CI -.09-.02, P = .16), procedure time (MD: 3.63; 95% CI -16.99-24.25, P = .73) and length of hospital stay (MD: −.21; 95% CI -1.17 - .75, P = .67) between 2 groups. In conclusion, robotic and laparoscopic splenectomies seem to have comparable perioperative outcomes with similar rate of conversion to an open procedure, procedure time and length of hospital stay. The former may potentially reduce the volume of intraoperative blood loss. Future higher level research is required to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes
Curtailing Unnecessary Waste Among Operating Room Personnel: Evaluating the Cost Awareness of Commonly Used Surgical Items
Authors: Heiman Adee J. , Camargo Lauren , Bhat Deepa , Desai Vilok , Patel Ashit , Ricci Joseph A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Operating rooms (ORs) generate 70% of hospital waste, leading to increased costs for the hospital, patient, and the environment. The lack of cost awareness among physicians has been well documented; however, there is little information on anesthesiologists or ancillary OR staff. This study aimed to evaluate the cost awareness of commonly used items at an academic medical center among OR personnel.

Methods

Anonymous surveys were distributed to OR personnel (nurses, surgical technicians (STs), nurse anesthetists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, and residents), asking for the estimated costs of ten commonly used items. These costs were then compared against actual costs to evaluate the accuracy of participants’ estimates. Responders were clustered by job, highest level of education, and years of experience for comparison.

Results

167 surveys were collected, and overall only 16.4% of estimates were accurate within 50% of actual price. No significant differences in accuracy between groups were identified overall ( P = .2), but both surgical and anesthesia attendings had significantly higher rates of correct responses than their respective residents. No difference was seen in accuracy when all attendings (surgeons and anesthesiologists) were compared with either nurses or STs. Linear regression demonstrated no correlation between number of years at current position or years at institution and number of correct responses ( R2 = .0025 and R2 = .005, respectively).

Discussion

Addressing the knowledge deficit around item costs via global education of all OR personnel (surgeons, anesthesia providers, and ancillary staff) could be a viable pathway to reduce waste, and thus cost, for our healthcare system.
Prediction With Mixed Effects Models: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Mangino Anthony A. , Finch W. Holmes
Published: February 2021

Oftentimes in many fields of the social and natural sciences, data are obtained within a nested structure (e.g., students within schools). To effectively analyze data with such a structure, multilevel models are frequently employed. The present study utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation to compare several novel multilevel classification algorithms across several varied data conditions for the purpose of prediction. Among these models, the panel neural network and Bayesian generalized mixed effects model (multilevel Bayes) consistently yielded the highest prediction accuracy in test data across nearly all data conditions.
Institutional characteristics of education systems and inequalities—Introduction I
Authors: Gross Christiane , Hadjar Andreas
Published: February 2021

This is the introduction into the first of multiple themed issues of International Journal of Comparative Sociology (IJCS) that are dedicated to the role of education systems as institutional settings on the reproduction of inequalities. While Introduction I presents the research program, outlines a conceptual background and discusses methodological challenges in the study of how education systems shape inequalities, introductions to the successive themed issues will deal with the current state-of-research and finally with research desiderata in terms of an outlook. The contributions will be presented at the end of each introduction. The contributions of this themed issue focus on the role of country characteristics during early childhood and the role of shadow education on educational inequalities.
Revisiting Relational Coordination: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bolton Rendelle , Logan Caroline , Gittell Jody Hoffer
Published: February 2021

Work is increasingly complex, specialized, and interdependent, requiring coordination across roles, disciplines, organizations, and sectors to achieve desired outcomes. Relational coordination theory proposes that relationships of shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect help to support frequent, timely, accurate, problem-solving communication, and vice versa, enabling stakeholders to effectively coordinate their work across boundaries. While the theory contends that cross-cutting structures can strengthen relational coordination, and that relational coordination promotes desired outcomes for multiple stakeholders, the empirical evidence supporting the theory has not previously been synthesized. In this article, we systematically review all empirical studies assessing the predictors and outcomes of relational coordination published from 1991 to 2019. We find evidence supporting the existing theory and discuss how that evidence supports expanding the theory from a linear structure–process–outcomes model to a dynamic model of change. An agenda for researchers and practitioners is proposed.
Impacting Resilience of Black Students Through Critically Conscious Institutional Leadership and Policy
Authors: Henderson Jessica
Published: February 2021

The author develops a conceptual framework that defines characteristics of critically conscious institutions and proposes their effectiveness in the promotion and strengthening of resilience in black students. Black students’ development within an anti-black society is framed as a sustained and continuous adversity, and this article expands the critical consciousness conversation by shifting the focus from changes in student characteristics to institutional change, mirroring the shift in resilience literature from a critique of individuals’ characteristics to a critique of the interactions between individuals and the proximal and distal environments with which they engage.
Comparative study on epidural administration of dexmedetomidine, dexmedetomidine–lidocaine or lidocaine in conscious rabbits
Authors: Santos Maria AAP , Lucera Tiago MC , Horr Mônica , Santana Isabella N , Mattos-Junior Ewaldo
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory, arterial blood gas and antinociceptive effects of dexmedetomidine (D), dexmedetomidine–lidocaine (DL) or lidocaine (L) administered epidurally on conscious rabbits. Eight six-month-old male New Zealand rabbits were randomly distributed into three treatments: D (2.5 μg/kg); DL (2.5 μg/kg; 2 mg/kg); and L (2 mg/kg). The drugs were injected epidurally via a catheter. Cardiorespiratory, arterial blood gas and antinociceptive variables were recorded before administration, 5 and 10 min after drug administration, then every 10 min until the animals presented a positive response to nociceptive stimulation of perineal dermatomes. Two animals had permanent paralysis after DL treatment due to hemorrhage and congestion with neuron necrosis in spinal cord segments. There was a reduction in mean arterial pressure in treatment L at 5 and 10 min, compared with the baseline, and in treatment DL at 10–30 min. Increases in pH were observed in treatment D at 5 and 10 min, and in DL at all the times evaluated, compared with the baseline. No alterations were observed in other blood gas or electrolyte variables. Antinociceptive effects were evaluated in the perineal, sacral and lumbar regions, and were restricted to the perineal region following D and L treatment. The antinociceptive effects following DL were greater than D and L alone in all of the regions. L and D promotes short-term antinociceptive effects for up to 15 min and, when used in combination with D, increased the duration and extent of sensory block by up to 45 min.
Successful and Cost-Effective Facebook Recruitment: Is It Possible? Results From a Longitudinal Randomized Clinical Trial in Grandmother Caregivers
Authors: Wallace McKenzie K. , Still Carolyn H. , Jeanblanc Alexandra B. , Musil Carol M.
Published: February 2021

Facebook is often cited in health-related research as a practical option to recruit participants into research studies, but issues with recruiting verifiable and qualified participants and unpredictable costs exist. The purpose of this paper is to describe a social network theory-guided, no-cost, Facebook recruitment strategy in comparison to a traditional recruitment campaign for a national online intervention study for grandmother caregivers ( n = 348); 211 participants were recruited via Facebook, and 137 through traditional techniques. Participation rates did not vary by recruitment method. Facebook participants were slightly older, higher income, and more likely to be white and married, but did not differ in education levels. Our strategy quickly obtained an engaged and committed participant base. The application of social network theory to traditional recruitment strategies represents a novel way for researchers to recruit through Facebook and yield viable and engaged participants without investing in Facebook ads.
Application of a Computer Vision Tool for Automated Glottic Tracking to Vocal Fold Paralysis Patients
Authors: Wang Tiffany V. , Adamian Nat , Song Phillip C. , Franco Ramon A. , Huston Molly N. , Jowett Nate , Naunheim Matthew R.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

(1) Demonstrate true vocal fold (TVF) tracking software (AGATI [Automated Glottic Action Tracking by artificial Intelligence]) as a quantitative assessment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) in a large patient cohort. (2) Correlate patient‐reported metrics with AGATI measurements of TVF anterior glottic angles, before and after procedural intervention.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Methods

AGATI was used to analyze videolaryngoscopy from healthy adults (n = 72) and patients with UVFP (n = 70). Minimum, 3rd percentile, 97th percentile, and maximum anterior glottic angles (AGAs) were computed for each patient. In patients with UVFP, patient‐reported outcomes (Voice Handicap Index 10, Dyspnea Index, and Eating Assessment Tool 10) were assessed, before and after procedural intervention (injection or medialization laryngoplasty). A receiver operating characteristic curve for the logistic fit of paralysis vs control group was used to determine AGA cutoff values for defining UVFP.

Results

Mean (SD) 3rd percentile AGA (in degrees) was 2.67 (3.21) in control and 5.64 (5.42) in patients with UVFP (P <. 001); mean (SD) 97th percentile AGA was 57.08 (11.14) in control and 42.59 (12.37) in patients with UVFP (P <. 001). For patients with UVFP who underwent procedural intervention, the mean 97th percentile AGA decreased by 5 degrees from pre‐ to postprocedure (P =. 026). The difference between the 97th and 3rd percentile AGA predicted UVFP with 77% sensitivity and 92% specificity (P <. 0001). There was no correlation between AGA measurements and patient‐reported outcome scores.

Conclusions

AGATI demonstrated a difference in AGA measurements between paralysis and control patients. AGATI can predict UVFP with 77% sensitivity and 92% specificity.
An experimental approach to communal coping
Authors: Zajdel Melissa , Helgeson Vicki S.
Published: February 2021

Communal coping has been linked to better psychological and physical health across a variety of stressful contexts. However, there has been no experimental work causally linking communal coping to relationship and health outcomes. In addition, research has emphasized the collaboration over the shared appraisal component of communal coping. The present study sought to isolate the role of appraisal by manipulating whether dyads viewed a stressor as shared or individual. Friend dyads (n = 64 dyads; 128 participants) were randomly assigned to view a stressor as either a shared or an individual problem, but both groups were allowed to work together. Across self-report and observational measures dyads reported more collaboration and support, better relationship outcomes, and more positive mood after the stressor in the shared than the individual appraisal group. This is the first laboratory evidence to establish causal links of communal coping—specifically shared appraisal—to positive relationship and health outcomes.
Optimizing Fixation for Distal Biceps Tendon Repairs: A Systematic Review and Meta-regression of Cadaveric Biomechanical Testing
Authors: Taylor Ainsley L. , Bansal Ankit , Shi Brendan Y. , Best Matthew J. , Huish Eric G. , Srikumaran Uma
Published: February 2021

Background:

Various surgical techniques can be used to repair acute distal biceps tendon (DBT) tears; however, it is unknown which type of repair or implant has the greatest biomechanical strength and presents the lowest risk of type 2 failure.

Purpose:

To identify associations between the type of implant or construct used and the biomechanical performance of DBT repairs in a review of human cadaveric studies.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-regression.

Methods:

We systematically searched the EMBASE and Medline (PubMed) databases for biomechanical studies that evaluated DBT repair performance in cadaveric specimens. Two independent reviewers extracted data from 14 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The pooled data set was subjected to meta-regression with adjusted failure load (AFL) as the primary outcome variable. Procedural parameters, such as number of sutures, cortices, locking stitches, and whipstitches, served as covariates. Adjusted analysis was performed to determine the differences among implant types. The alpha level was set at .05.

Results:

When using no implant (bone tunnels) as the referent, no fixation type or procedural parameter was significantly better at predicting AFL. Cortical button fixation had the highest AFL (370 N; 95% CI, −2 to 221). In an implant-to-implant comparison, suture anchor alone was significantly weaker than cortical button (154 N; 95% CI, 30 to 279). Constructs using a cortical button and interference screw were not stronger (as measured by AFL) than those using a cortical button alone. The presence of a locking stitch added 113 N (95% CI, 29 to 196) to the AFL. The use of cortical button instead of interference screws or bone tunnels was associated with lower odds of type 2 failure. Avoiding locking stitches and using more sutures in the construct were also associated with lower odds of type 2 failure.

Conclusion:

Cortical button fixation is associated with greater construct strength than is suture anchor repair and a lower risk of type 2 failure compared with interference screw fixation or fixation without implants. The addition of an interference screw to cortical button fixation was not associated with increased strength. The presence of a locking stitch added 113 N to the failure load but also increased the odds of type 2 failure.
Evaluation of Cam Deformity on 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography With the Best-Fit Sphere Technique and the Alpha Angle Marking Method
Authors: Cong Shuang , Liu Shaohua , Xie Yuxie , Luo Zhiwen , Chen Jiwu
Published: February 2021

Background:

Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) is commonly used for the evaluation of cam deformity; however, it does not display the cam border directly.

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of the best-fit sphere (BFS) method and the alpha angle marking (AAM) method in 3D-CT evaluation for the cam border.

Study Design:

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

Methods:

Twenty-six cases of cam deformity, confirmed during hip arthroscopy, were included in this study. All patients underwent a CT scan before surgery. Using multiplanar reconstruction, we obtained reformatted CT images of oblique axial, oblique coronal, and radial views. The alpha angle and femoral head-neck offset ratio (hnoR) were measured on the reformatted CT images. The cam area on 3D-CT was displayed in 4 different ways: by importing the markers from the reformatted CT images of the oblique axial view (cam-oa), the oblique coronal view (cam-oc), or the radial view (cam-r) using the AAM method, or by using the BFS method (cam-bfs). The sizes and locations of the displayed cams were compared.

Results:

All hips in this study had an alpha angle greater than 60° and an hnoR smaller than 0.17. The radial view measured a larger alpha angle and smaller hnoR than the oblique axial and coronal views ( P < .05). The areas of cam-oa, cam-oc, cam-r, and cam-bfs were 161.47 ± 27.96, 89.78 ± 19.23, 241.73 ± 34.55, and 329.75 ± 42.73 mm2, respectively, and their medial-to-lateral ranges along the acetabulum (clockface referents) were 12:30 to 03:00, 11:30 to 01:30, 11:30 to 03:00, and 11:00 to 03:30, respectively. Among the 4 displays, cam-bfs had the largest area and medial-to-lateral range ( P < .05), and cam-r had the second largest area and range ( P < .05). No significant difference in the mean distances from the acetabular rim to the superior border was detected among the 4 displays ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

The cam area displayed by the BFS method on 3D-CT was larger than those evaluated by the AAM method. In the reformatted CT, the sizes and locations of cam deformity differed among the oblique axial, oblique coronal, and radial views, with the radial view showing the greatest area.
Perioperative Skin Conditioning for Patients With Skin of Color
Authors: Ferdinand Alix , Obagi Suzan
Published: February 2021

The interest in cosmetic procedures for patients with skin of color is on an upward trend. Globally, dyschromia and hyperpigmentation remain the most common disorders for which patients seek treatment. The goals of a perioperative skin conditioning program include allowing a broad range of patients to be treated regardless of skin phototypes, maximizing results, and reducing risk of complications such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and managing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if it occurs. The purpose of this article is to highlight common pigmentation concerns among patients with skin of color, the topical agents used to combat these concerns, and a practical approach to creating an effective yet straightforward topical skin care regimen that can be used across a wide range of patient skin phototypes. Before and after photos of patients with a variety of pigmentation concerns are presented along with a description of the treatment regimen used to improve their conditions and to get their skin to a safer state prior to performing any office-based procedures. By understanding the main concerns of patients with skin of color, one can use a simple and effective skincare regimen to allow these patients to be more safely treated. An effective skincare regimen both prepares the skin prior to procedures and postoperatively to help minimize dyschromias in the postoperative phase.
Organization-Based Factors Bearing on Provider Screening and Referral Practices for Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Kosiak Klaudia , Contreras Isaias M. , Stoever Jane , Toohey Julianne , Novaco Raymond W.
Published: February 2021

Essential steps in the provision of health care for women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) are screening and referral for specialized services, as might occur in primary care settings. Prior to participating in a cross-disciplinary IPV training program, medical care ( N = 223) and social/behavioral practitioners ( N = 197) completed a survey that ascertained current practices, provisions, and perceived barriers related to IPV screening and referral. Roughly half of the study participants did not routinely screen their patients/clients for IPV, with no differences for the professional groupings. Utilization of referral resources was significantly lower for medical care providers, 78.5% of whom did not use any. Perceived barriers to screening and referral were examined as practitioner-based and organization-based, and we identified tangible provisions (protocols and practice materials) as a relevant variable. As we conjectured, organization-based barriers were more strongly associated with lower rates of screening and referral than were practitioner-based barriers, regardless of professional grouping. Moreover, tangible provisions, controlling for perceived barriers, significantly added to routine screening and frequency of referral resources usage, particularly for medical care providers. Results are discussed in the context of a systems-level approach to improving IPV services in health care with organizational practice enhancements.
Assistant Teachers, Workplace Satisfaction, and the Creation of a Culturally Competent Workforce Pipeline in Head Start
Authors: Jacoby Jennifer Wallace , Corwin-Renner Allegra
Published: February 2021

Early care and education programs like Head Start provide a critical foundation for later achievement for children from vulnerable communities. Notably, recruiting and retaining bilingual teachers is an ongoing struggle for many Head Start agencies. Assistant teachers are more likely to be bilingual than their lead teacher counterparts ( Jacoby, in press ) and are important contributors to a workforce pipeline that diversifies staff. We conducted this qualitative study with 35 assistant teachers to understand how workplace attributes influence satisfaction and job retention in Head Start. Workplace attributes such as wages and support for professional education and those with symbolic value, such as the robustness of the program, both played an important role. We also found that the instrumental-symbolic framework demonstrated utility for understanding how workplace attributes might be leveraged to recruit and retain linguistically and culturally competent teaching staff.
Insulin Dosage Adjustments After Initiation of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chen Mandy , Vider Etty , Plakogiannis Roda
Published: February 2021

Background:

Combination of insulin and GLP-1RAs have shown reductions in the HbA1c, body weight, and the risk of hypoglycemia. To date, there are conflicting data regarding the effect of GLP-1RAs on insulin dosage(s).

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate adjustments of insulin doses upon initiation of GLP-1RAs.

Methods:

This was a retrospective chart review of patients on insulin therapy initiated on GLP-1RAs at NYU Langone Health. Patients were included in the study if they were at least 18 years of age, history of type 2 diabetes, and were on concurrent basal or mixed insulin therapy. 45 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the study analysis. The primary endpoint was the median change in overall basal insulin doses. Secondary endpoints included median changes in total basal, mixed, and bolus insulin doses, oral antidiabetic medications and GLP-1RA doses, HbA1c, body weight, fasting glucose, and creatinine clearance. Safety results included any adverse reactions to insulin and/or GLP-1RA.

Results:

In the per-protocol analysis, there was a significant reduction in overall total basal insulin doses from baseline to week 24 (50 units vs. 44 units, p < 0.05). There was a median reduction in patients receiving glargine (50 units vs. 44 units) and detemir (29 units vs. 21.5 units).

Conclusions:

Use of GLP-1RAs after 24 weeks resulted in a statistically significant reduction in overall total basal insulin dosages from baseline. The median HbA1C in our patient population was >8%. Consider a ≥10% reduction in the overall basal insulin dose upon initiation of GLP-1RA in patients with a HbA1C >8%.
Influence of twisted tape fins on heat transfer and friction factor characteristics for impinging jet solar air heater
Authors: Matheswaran MM , Arjunan TV , Sahu Mukesh K
Published: February 2021

In this work, an experimental study was carried out to investigate the enhancement of heat transfer and friction factor characteristics of an impinging jet solar air heater integrated with twisted tape fins. During the analysis, the Reynolds number fin design parameters namely twist ratio (Y), and pitch ratio (py) are varied from 3500 –13500, 5.5–9.5, and 0.1–0.3, respectively. During the experimentation, the constant heat flux of 1000 W/m2 was maintained on the absorber plate. From the results, it was observed that the heat transfer rate increases while increasing the twist ratio up to 7.5 and further increase in twist ratio diminishes the performance. It was also concluded that the rise in pitch ratio (py) deteriorates the rate of heat transfer. The present work enhances the heat transfer and friction factor by the maximum of 1.9 and 1.81 times as compared with the conventional jet impingement solar air heater at identical operating conditions.
A Novel Uni-directional Flow Circular Facility Layout for Effective Social Distancing
Authors: Pillai Sini V.
Published: February 2021

Hospitals have a complex infrastructure with a wide range of functional units of medical services. A well-designed facility layout planning is essential for the smooth functioning as well as to provide safe and convenient services to patients at the right time. A functional layout is suggested to optimize time and resources in the process of service delivery, reducing the challenges of patients and healthcare professionals involved in patient care. This article focuses on developing a new facility functional layout that promotes convenience, comfort and economy with enhanced quality of medical care. A pathway of patient movement is effectively designed for better health outcomes, especially when there is a huge inflow of patients seeking information about the choice of healthcare facilities and subsequent medical attention. A circular hospital facility layout with unidirectional flow is proposed, which will effectively prevent face-to-face movement of incoming and outgoing patients and their bystanders, thereby preventing spread of diseases or infection and speed up the service delivery process. The authors believe that the proposed layout will substantially improve quality, service and speed of medical procedures, though the initial investment might be higher for implementing this layout. This study is of paramount importance in maintaining social distancing at hospitals as it prevents chaotic movement of patients and more specifically total avoidance of face-to-face situations between incoming and outgoing patients.
Meta-Analysis of Cultural Influences in Trauma Exposure and PTSD Prevalence Rates
Authors: Oakley Linda Denise , Kuo Wan-chin , Kowalkowski Jennifer A. , Park Wanju
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

The global prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to rise, the influence of culture and resilience remains unclear. This review and meta-analysis aimed to (a) examine the prevalence of PTSD among studies addressing culture and resilience, and (b) compare the PTSD prevalence rates across different trauma exposures and cultural contexts.

Methodology:

PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched for articles published between 01/01/2000 to 12/01/019 that defined PTSD, reported PTSD prevalence rates, and addressed culture and resilience. Meta-analysis of PTSD prevalence rates was performed using generalized linear mixed models.

Results:

Thirty articles met all search criteria. In the pooled sample of 20,138 participants, 3,403 met defined PTSD diagnostic criteria. The random-effects model showed PTSD cultural effects. Refugees displaced in similar cultures (0.44) had higher rates of PTSD.

Discussion:

Findings indicate that trauma-informed, practical assessments of health protective cultural determinants may promote individual resilience and reduce the risk of PTSD in displaced refugees.
Learning Within Teams: A Multilevel Analysis of Team Behavioral Integration and Creativity
Authors: Du Juan , Chan Lawrence B. , Birnbaum Alyssa , Lin Xinyue
Published: February 2021

Innovation, a process fueled by creativity, is key to organizational survival. The current studies test a multilevel moderated mediation model to explore whether team behavioral integration influences individual creativity in general management teams. Two field surveys were conducted: Study 1 included 356 employees nested in 86 teams; Study 2 included 138 employees nested in 39 teams. Results from integrated path analyses demonstrate that team behavioral integration is positively related to individual creativity, explorative and exploitative learning mediate the relationship, and the indirect effects are stronger for individuals with higher creative self-efficacy. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Analysis of parameters on the wheel–rail P2 force of subways
Authors: Sun Zhuang , Cheng Xiandong , Dai Huanyun
Published: February 2021

An experiment of falling wheels was performed in this study along with full-field tests, for a type of subway train on four subway lines. The results confirmed that 40–80 Hz vibration signals on the ground and train are caused by the wheel–rail P2 force. Vehicle–track-coupled dynamics models were created where the single-layer elastic support model, double-layer elastic support model and floating slab track model were considered. The results were validated by available experimental data and three types of theoretical models: Jenkins, Winkler and double-beam model. This shows that the amplitude of the P2 force increases with larger suspended rail joint angle, higher train speed, heavy unsuspended mass and stronger fastener stiffness. Besides, both fastener damping and the vertical stiffness of primary suspension enabled control of the amplitude of the P2 force in a limited interval. Supporting stiffness of track and unsprung mass played a key role in the frequency of the P2 force. However, the vertical stiffness of the primary suspension had a reduced effect on the frequency of P2 force as compared with the supporting stiffness. Thus, for an effective change to the supporting stiffness, the fastener stiffness could be changed accordingly.
Eco-localization of a prey in a spider orb web
Authors: Zaera Ramón , Serrano Óscar , Fernández-Sáez José , Morassi Antonino
Published: February 2021

Orb web spiders locate the position of a perturbation in the web because of a prey impact through highly sensitive slit sensilla at the tip of their legs. Thus, the web serves as a self-made extension of its sensory space which transmits vibrations from the perturbation point to the spider location. These vibrations may contain the information required by the spider to rapidly identify the position where the prey has impacted and approach to it before it flies away. For axially symmetric orb webs supported at the boundary and for a spider which stays at the center of the web, it was shown that the knowledge of the transverse deflection time history at the eight spider legs, for a sufficiently large interval of time, contains enough information to localize the position of the prey. In this article, we address the same inverse problem of localization of the prey, but we suppose that the spider knows only a small number of selected information of the transverse displacement, such as, for example, the maxima of the response of the time history at the eight control points. We show how this reduced information still allows the spider to obtain a fairly accurate angular localization of the prey, for different prey and orb web characteristics.
Genetic algorithm for dynamic parameters estimation of the machine tool worktable using the residual vibration signal
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Liu Bin , Mei Xuesong , Yun Xialun , Li Xiao , Li Qin , Wang Xintian
Published: February 2021

In this article, the residual vibration signal of the worktable of the machine tool is used to identify its dynamic parameters. By analyzing the time-domain characteristics of the residual vibration signal, it is found that the signal has the similar attenuation characteristics to the impulse response of the second-order underdamped system, so a new method for identifying the dynamic parameters of the worktable is proposed. In this method, the impulse response model of the second-order underdamped system is used to describe the residual vibration signal, so the parameter identification problem based on the time-domain signal is transformed into the optimization problem of the model parameters. Then, the dynamic parameters can be determined by using the genetic algorithm. The results of the genetic algorithm are compared with the results of the autoregressive moving average method, which is a commonly used parameter identification method based on the time-domain signal. It was found that the results of the model-based method proposed in this article are more accurate than the autoregressive moving average method.
Optimization of a fluorogenic assay to determine caspase 3/7 activity in meat extracts
Authors: Fuente-Garcia Claudia , Sentandreu Enrique , Aldai Noelia , Sentandreu Miguel A
Published: February 2021

Usefulness of general-purpose fluorogenic assay kits to determine caspase 3/7 activity of biological extracts is highly compromised in meat-based samples due to their scarce enzyme concentration. In the present work, a straightforward protocol is presented with two main purposes: 1) to enhance sensitivity of the fluorogenic approach addressing caspase 3/7 activity in tissues showing scarce enzyme concentration such as skeletal muscle, and 2) to reduce/economize the volume of employed reagents. The enzyme extraction procedure, peptide substrate, dithiothreitol concentration and detection settings were appropriately optimized for use in microtiter-plate fluorometers. As a result, low to high enzyme activity extracts (from 10,000 to 260,000 relative fluorescence units) can be measured under developed sampling and experimental conditions. The fact that enzyme reactions took place in 96-microtiter well plates reduces the consumption of chemical compounds when analysing a high number of samples, thus contributing to environment sustainability.
Effects of Video Self-Modeling and System of Least Prompts on Completion of Transitional Routines for a Student With Extensive Support Needs in Inclusive Settings
Authors: Reyes Elizabeth N. , Wood Charles L. , Walker Virginia L. , Voggt Ashley P. , Vestal Amanda R.
Published: February 2021

Students with extensive support needs often require intensive individualized instruction across domains. Research suggests that students with extensive support needs can achieve greater independence when evidence-based practices are used to teach independent transitioning skills. This study investigated the effects of video self-modeling (VSM) and the system of least prompts (SLP) on independent completion of transitional routines for a student with extensive support needs in inclusive school settings. Using VSM and SLP, the student learned to complete three transitional routines with greater independence. Generalization of independent transitioning skills to music class was also measured. Results showed a functional relation between the VSM/SLP intervention and independent completion of transitional routines. The findings of this study provide several implications for practice for using VSM and SLP as a combined intervention to increase independent transitioning skills for students who previously relied on adult assistance to make transitions along with general education peers.
Comparison of accuracy of different intraocular lens power calculation methods using artificial intelligence
Authors: Nemeth Gabor , Kemeny-Beke Adam , Modis Laszlo
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To assess the accuracy of the intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation based on three methods using artificial intelligence (AI) and one formula using no AI.

Methods:

During cataract surgery on 114 eyes, one type of IOL was implanted, calculated with the Hill-RBF 2.0 method. The theoretical postoperative refractions were calculated using the Kane and the Pearl-DGS methods and a vergence based formula (Barrett Universal II, BUII). The differences between the manifest and objective postoperative refractions and the predicted refractions were calculated. The percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D prediction error (PE), the mean, and the median absolute errors (MAE and MedAE) were also determined.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 69.48 years; the axial length was between 21.19 and 25.39 mm. The number of eyes within ±0.5/±1.0 D PE was 96/108 (84.21%/94.73%) using the Hill-RBF 2.0 method, 92/107 (80.70%/93.85%) with the Kane method, 91/107 (79.82%/93.85%) with the Pearl-DGS method, and 91/106 (79.82%/92.98%) with the BUII formula, using subjective refraction. With objective refractometric data, PEs were within ±0.5 D in 88 (77.19%), 83 (72.80%), 82 (71.92%), and 80 (70.17%) cases (Hill-RBF, Kane, Pearl-DGS, BUII, respectively). MAE and MedAE were also best with the Hill-RBF 2.0 method (0.3 D; 0.18 D).

Conclusion:

Better accuracy of PE might be obtained by the Hill-RBF 2.0 method compared with BUII. The Kane and Pearl-DGS methods showed similar accuracy when compared with BUII.
Optical coherence tomography analyses based segmentation and relative intensity evaluation of outer retinal layers in patients affected with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis
Authors: Christodoulou Panayiotis D
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

We aim to provide a description of the optical coherence tomography findings in the outer macula hyperreflective bands of our patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. Also to categorize these changes and to quantitatively and qualitatively correlate their reflectivity levels with visual function.

Methods:

We manually segmented the borders, and depicted relative intensity of the inner segment ellipsoid band, and quantified the volume of edema.

Results:

The average relative intensity of the ellipsoid zone, ISe band, for the control subject was 14.864, our patient’s, with the mild disease was, 28.238 and 34.943 in OD and OS, respectively, and for the patient with severe disease was, 44.442 and 40.154 for OD and OS respectively. Thresholding showed a significant difference in edema volume between mild disease (~20%), and severe form (~50%). Relative intensity analyses are indicative of homogeneity variability. High standard deviation value illustrates the high dispersion of data values and is a safe marker of ellipsoid zone homogeneity.

Conclusion:

Data suggested that both anatomic and functional characteristic of outer macula hyperreflective bands were notably associated with the pathogenesis cascade in the photoreceptor cells. External limiting membrane line disruption is initiated by the volume of macular edema and followed by disorganization of the three lines in a stepwise pattern, first at the ellipsoid zone, followed by the cone outer segment tips zone and finally at the External limiting membrane.
Job satisfaction and turnover intention of preventive medicine workers in northern Vietnam: Is there any relationship?
Authors: Nguyen Quynh Anh , Tran Anh Dung
Published: February 2021

To access the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention of preventive medicine workers in Vietnam, we conducted a cross-sectional study using a purposive convenience sample of 12 preventive medicine centers in 3 provinces of northern Vietnam (Hai Duong, a plain province, Yen Bai, a mountainous province, and Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam). Overall, 400 preventive medicine staff were invited to participate, and 383 questionnaires were analyzed (153 from 3 provincial centers and 230 from 9 district centers). All eligible participants completed the questionnaire, which included questions relating to general information, job satisfaction, intention to quit. We identified significant associations between turnover intention and personal factors, including age, marital status, education level, professional degree, and length of employment at the current center. The bivariate analysis also indicated that job satisfaction had an inverse relationship with turnover intention, as expected. The correlations varied between facets and overall job satisfaction, from −0.19 for community support to −0.37 for overall job satisfaction. These correlations remained significant after controlling for personal factors using hierarchical multiple regressions. The results indicated that facet and overall job satisfaction were significant predictors of turnover intention, while overall job satisfaction was the strongest predictor (β = 0.37, P < .001). This study could contribute to local system development and the international understanding of job satisfaction and turnover intention among preventive medicine workers. Addressing the aspects of job satisfaction that were found to have the lowest scores may help the preventive medicine system to retain staff.
Medical Student and Resident Dermatology Education in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ladha Malika A. , Lui Harvey , Carroll Julia , Doiron Philip , Kirshen Carly , Wong Aaron , Purdy Kerri
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent physical distancing recommendations created major gaps in traditional dermatologic undergraduate and postgraduate medical education delivery. Nevertheless, the educational consequences of various public health restrictions have indirectly set aside the inertia, resistance, and risk averse approach to pedagogical change in medicine. In Canada, rapid collaboration and innovation in dermatologic education has led to novel programs including the implementation of a range of internet-facilitated group learning activities and a dramatic expansion of digital telehealth and virtual care. Going forward, three key issues arising from these developments will need to be addressed: the ongoing assessment of these innovations for efficacy; sustaining the momentum and creativity that has been achieved; and, determining which of these activities are worth maintaining when traditional “tried and true” learning activities can be resumed.
Performance of finite bearing under the combined influence of turbulent and non-Newtonian lubrication
Authors: Soni Sandeep
Published: February 2021

The current numerical investigation is used to predict the dynamic performance of finite bearing considering the combined influence of turbulence regime and non-Newtonian flow. With appropriate assumptions, the Navier–Stokes and continuity equation have been revised by the linear turbulence and non-Newtonian fluid model together. The clearance space of the finite bearing has been determined by the finite element method adopting Galerkin’s procedure and robust iteration technique. The cylindrical coordinate forms of momentum and continuity equations are used for the flow field of the finite bearing assuming the turbulent regime and non-Newtonian lubricant. Dynamic performance parameters of a finite bearing have been computed regarding direct and cross-coupled fluid-film coefficients, equivalent stiffness coefficient, whirl ratio, and critical mass at different eccentricity ratios for distinct values of Reynolds numbers preferably up to 13,300 and varied values of non-linear factor of the non-Newtonian fluid model. The obtained results revealed the performance enhancement in the combined regime as compared to pure turbulence and non-Newtonian flow conditions. The stability of finite bearing is significantly improved under the proposed severe flow regime.