bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The limits of sending-state power: The Philippines, Sri Lanka, and female migrant domestic workers
Authors: Ireland Patrick R
Published: June 2018

Sending states have taken various measures to protect their female nationals serving abroad as domestics. A most-similar case comparison is constructed between the Sri Lankan and Philippine states’ defenses of ‘their’ female migrant domestic workers (FMDWs), employing process tracing and relying on data from archival research, interviews, policies, and official statements. Existing explanations for sending-state actions stress dependence on remittances, receiving-country conditions, and the democratic incorporation of emigrants. Here, however, a stock of FMDWs with more highly valued human capital attributes, combined with a stronger civil society and greater gender equity, is shown to compel and enable the Philippine state to adopt a more assertive approach than its Sri Lankan counterpart in defending those migrants.‘
Music performance anxiety. Substance use and career abandonment in Spanish music students
Authors: Orejudo Hernández Santos , Zarza-Alzugaray Francisco J , Casanova Oscar
Published: June 2018

This paper assesses the prevalence of substance use in Spanish music students as a strategy for coping with Musical Performance Anxiety (MPA). We also assess the relation between substance use and thoughts of abandoning one’s musical career in connection with the degree of self-reported MPA. We carried out this survey on a sample of 463 students studying different music specialties and enrolled in five superior music academies in Spain (mean age: 22.71 years). Among other questionnaires, all participants completed the Spanish version of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory and responded to a series of additional questions associated with MPA, substance use and thoughts of abandoning their musical career. Of those surveyed 33.9% indicated that at one point or another they had used substances in order to cope with MPA, and 19.0% had considered abandoning their musical studies. Those students who indicated that they had used substances to cope with MPA tended to have had more frequent thoughts of abandoning their musical career and suffered from a higher level of MPA than those who did not. A high percentage of music students who are attempting to cope with MPA also tend to adopt poorly adaptive strategies. These, in turn, lead to even greater levels of anxiety.
Relational ontology and the politics of boundary-making: East Asian financial regionalism
Authors: Lee Yong Wook
Published: June 2018

In this article, I seek to demonstrate the analytical utility and value-added of ‘relational ontology’ for studying region-making and regional institutional developments. Relational ontology stands in sharp contrast to the dominant individualistic ontology found in mainstream theories of regionalism. I make the case theoretically and empirically that relational ontology offers a better analytical fit with the investigation of regionalism. Analytically, the crux of relational ontology is the notion that the structure of identity and interests emerges and develops relationally in the process of one’s making contact with and subsequently marking boundary with others in relevant contexts. More concretely, I develop a three-stage analytics of boundary-making. The analytical framework proposes three sequential stages of ‘proto-boundary’, ‘yoking’, and ‘rationalization’ towards the making of a boundary that creates ‘inside’ by defining ‘outside’. This boundary-making practice is empirically observable in the politics of membership when regional institutional buildings occur. I illustrate the validity of the relational analytical framework with a case of the exclusive East Asian financial regionalism. My empirical focus is on the institutional development of the Chiang Mai Initiative (the CMI/CMIM (Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization)) over the past 15 years, a regional financial safety net in East Asia. In terms of membership, the ASEAN plus Three (China, Japan, and Korea) developed it while excluding the United States from membership.
Communal one day, exchange the next: Daily relationship orientation mediates the influence of perceived stress on constructive interactions in close relationships
Authors: Li Tianyuan , Fung Helene H.
Published: June 2018

The current research proposed the concept of dynamic relationship orientation and tested it as a mediator accounting for the relation between the within-individual variations of perceived stress and interpersonal interactions in close relationships. Communal and exchange orientation were considered to be two interaction schemas that could be dynamically activated in different relationships across different situations. Participants’ daily stress and interaction with their mother and romantic partner were measured for 14 consecutive days. Results confirmed that lower activation of the communal schema on a day significantly mediated the negative association between daily perceived stress and constructive interactions in both relationships. The findings supported the important role of dynamic relationship orientation in linking situational factors with interpersonal interactions. The concept of dynamic relationship orientation provides a new theoretical framework to integrate research on contextual factors and relationship dynamics.
Early negative fluid balance is associated with lower mortality after cardiovascular surgery
Authors: Li Chenglong , Wang Hong , Liu Nan , Jia Ming , Zhang Haitao , Xi Xiuming , Hou Xiaotong ,   The Beijing Acute Kidney Injury Trial (BAKIT) Workgroup
Published: June 2018

Background:

Early fluid expansion could prevent postoperative organ hypoperfusion. However, excessive fluid resuscitation adversely influences multiple organ systems. This retrospective, observational study aimed to investigate the relationship between early negative fluid balance and postoperative mortality in critically ill adult patients following cardiovascular surgery.

Methods:

In total, 567 critically ill patients who had undergone cardiovascular surgery and whose intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) was more than 24 hours were enrolled. The baseline characteristics, daily fluid balance and cumulative fluid balance were obtained. Patients were followed until discharge or day 28. Multivariate logistic regressions adjusted by propensity score were used to analyze the relationship between early negative fluid balance and postoperative mortality.

Results:

Overall, postoperative mortality was 6.2% (35/567). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II on admission (odd ratios [OR] 1.110), acute kidney injury stage (OR 1.639) and renal replacement therapy received (OR 3.922) were the independent risk factors of postoperative mortality, whereas negative daily fluid balance at day 2 (OR 0.411) was the protective factor. Patients with a negative daily fluid balance at day 2 had lower postoperative mortality (3.4% vs. 12.2% in the positive fluid balance group), lower acute kidney injury (AKI) stage, were less likely to receive renal replacement therapy (RRT) and experienced shorter hospital LOS compared with those with a daily positive fluid balance.

Conclusion:

This retrospective, observational study indicates that early negative fluid balance is associated with lower postoperative mortality in critically ill patients following cardiovascular surgery. Further prospective, randomized trials are needed to prove the benefits from the restrictive fluid management strategy.
‘It’s the soft stuff that’s hard’: Investigating the role played by low carbon small- and medium-sized enterprise advisors in sustainability transitions
Authors: Hampton Sam
Published: June 2018

Significant public funds are invested in low carbon advisors to support small- and medium-sized enterprises to reduce carbon emissions on a regional basis. Little research has been conducted on their experiences and practices, nor their place within the context of local business support policy. Findings draw on interviews with 19 advisors in the UK as well as the author’s four years’ experience as an environmentally focused business support practitioner. Establishing and sustaining engagements with small- and medium-sized enterprises on the topic of pro-environmental behaviours is a multifaceted problem. Advisors typically approach businesses with promises of cost savings rather than using environmental messaging and focus their resources on the provision of building energy audits and technical advice. Advisors rarely engage small- and medium-sized enterprises in values-based discussions or by seeking to understand how and why energy is used in the course of everyday business practices. The paper argues that face-to-face meetings could be better utilised if ‘softer’ skills were deployed alongside technical expertise. It discusses the limitations of growth-focused support in the context of environmental objectives and calls for a shift in the culture of advice-giving, supported by social scientifically informed policy.
Duration and determinants of hospice-based specialist palliative care: A national retrospective cohort study
Authors: Allsop Matthew J , Ziegler Lucy E , Mulvey Matthew R , Russell Sarah , Taylor Ros , Bennett Michael I
Published: June 2018

Background:

Understanding service provision for patients with advanced disease is a research priority, with a need to identify barriers that limit widespread integration of palliative care.

Aim:

To identify patient and organisational factors that influence the duration of hospice-based palliative care in the United Kingdom prior to death.

Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Setting/participants:

A total of 64 UK hospices providing specialist palliative care inpatient beds and community services extracted data for all adult decedents (aged over 17 years) with progressive, advanced disease, with a prior referral (e.g. inpatient, community teams, and outpatient) who died between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. Data were requested for factors relating to both the patient and hospice site.

Results:

Across 42,758 decedents, the median time from referral to death was 48 days. Significant differences in referral to death days were found for those with cancer (53 days) and non-cancer (27 days) ( p < 0.0001). As age increases, the median days from referral to death decreases: for those under 50 years (78 days), 50–74 years (59 days), and 75 years and over (39 days) ( p = 0.0001). An adjusted multivariable negative binomial model demonstrated increasing age persisting as a significant predictor of fewer days of hospice care, as did being male, having a missing ethnicity classification and having a non-cancer diagnosis ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Despite increasing rhetoric around early referral, patients with advanced disease are receiving referrals to hospice specialist palliative care very late in their illness trajectory. Age and diagnosis persist as determinants of duration of hospice specialist palliative care before death.
State maneuver in the capitalist world-economy: A political geography of contextualized agency
Authors: Flint Colin , Dezzani Raymond
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate a theoretical perspective and outline an analytical framework for state maneuver in the hierarchical world-economy that incorporates the idea of context with structural imperatives. Maneuver is the agency of states within conjunctures of structural imperatives and spatial settings of inter-state alliances and established cultural understandings and historic relations. The hierarchy of the capitalist world-economy is conceptualized as an emergent structure, one that emerges from competition for scarce resources. The resources are economic attributes defined by the process of capital accumulation, political attributes emanating from the imperative of state territorialization, and the agglomeration of these attributes in spatial formations. The structure is emergent from the actions of states that create these spatial formations, but transformation is limited given structural constraints. States maneuver can be modeled as Markov transition probabilities decomposable as logits for covariate analysis.
Prediction of wind turbine noise propagation
Authors: Blanchard Tyler , Samanta Biswanath
Published: June 2018

In order to meet the US Department of Energy’s projected target of 35% of the US energy coming from wind by 2035, there is a strong need to look into the management and development of wind turbine technology and its impacts on human health, wild life, and the environment. The prediction of wind turbine noise and its propagation is very critical to study the impacts of wind turbine noise for long-term adoption and acceptance by neighboring communities. This article presents a study on the prediction of wind turbine noise propagation using an open access software and the publicly available topological map of projected sites. The noise propagation prediction utilized Openwind, a software package used for wind project design and optimization, to generate a noise map based on inputs acquired from a potential wind energy demonstration site. The predicted noise maps were incorporated with the measured ambient noise data to predict the resultant noise level in the surrounding neighborhood under different scenarios.
Looking Back at and Forward From: “Family Governance and Firm Performance: Agency, Stewardship, and Capabilities”
Authors: Le Breton-Miller Isabelle , Miller Danny
Published: June 2018

Looking back on a Family Business Review article we published in 2006, we discuss its origins, publication challenges, apparent influence, and how we might build on it today. Much of this reflection proposes how we may gain further insights into agency, stewardship, and resource perspectives by addressing promising underexplored areas relating to family enterprise. In the process we suggest topics that we hope may advance conceptualization about family firms by addressing relevant social and economic issues.
Investigation of characteristics of discharge pressure pulsation in a twin-screw refrigeration compressor
Authors: Chen Wenqing , Wu Xiaokun , Xing Ziwen , Wang Xiaolin
Published: June 2018

In this paper, characteristics of discharge pressure pulsation in a twin-screw refrigeration compressor are investigated. A thermodynamic model is developed and validated using data from a comprehensive experimental study. This validated model is then applied to investigate effects of key parameters including condensing temperature, compressor rotational speed, super-feed pressure, part-load operation, and design parameters on the discharge pressure pulsation. The results showed that the discharge pressure pulsation was mainly due to periodic variations of mass and energy flow from the working volumes to the discharge chamber. As the condensing temperature increased or decreased from the design condition, the compressor was in either over- or undercompression leading to an increase in the amplitude of the pressure pulsation. The gas super-feed pressure could increase the pressure pulsation at condensing temperatures below the design value and reduce the pressure pulsation at condensing temperatures above the design value. The analysis also demonstrated that the pressure pulsation was lower at part-load conditions. However, the compressor rotational speed increased both the amplitude and frequency of the pressure pulsation. Theoretical analysis of design parameters indicated that a large discharge volume with a high number of lobes could lower the pressure pulsation. These analyses provide useful information for the compressor design and optimization.
An investigation on the energy-saving effect of a hybrid electric-power steering system for commercial vehicles
Authors: Park Ji In , Jeon Kawngki , Yi Kyongsu
Published: June 2018

This article describes an investigation on the energy consumption of an alternative hybrid electric power steering system. The conventional hydraulic power steering system that is widely used in commercial vehicles can provide high steering-feel and reliability performances. However, since the combustion engine drives the pump, the hydraulic power steering system is energetically inefficient. To cope with this disadvantage of the hydraulic power steering system and to provide a technical base for the steering-related advanced driver assistance system, the Hybrid electric power steering system offers a solution for heavy commercial vehicles. The “Hybrid” of the title means that, for heavy commercial vehicles, the electric power steering system and electro-hydraulic power steering system are integrated in a ball-nut steering system. In this paper, to verify the energy-saving effect of the Hybrid electric power steering system, a dynamic model of the Hybrid electric power steering system was developed to estimate the energy consumption in the steering system. Furthermore, the fuel-efficiency test for the Hybrid electric power steering system were conducted while replacing the two steering systems (the conventional hydraulic power steering and Hybrid electric power steering system) in one vehicle on the chassis dynamometer for the proposed driving cycle. The driving cycle including the steering-angle profile has been developed to clearly investigate the effect on the energy-saving potential by the types of the steering system (hydraulic power steering and Hybrid electric power steering). The simulation results of the energy-consumption estimation showed that the hybrid electric power steering system can reduce the steering-system energy consumption by more than 50% under the proposed driving cycle. Also, the vehicle testing of the chassis dynamometer revealed that the Hybrid electric power steering system can improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by 1% for the specified driving cycle.
Analysis of leading edge flow characteristics in a mixed flow turbine under pulsating flows
Authors: Lee Samuel P , Jupp Martyn L , Barrans Simon M , Nickson Ambrose K
Published: June 2018

Current trends in the automotive industry towards engine downsizing means turbocharging now plays a vital role in engine performance. A turbocharger increases charge air density using a turbine to extract waste energy from the exhaust gas to drive a compressor. Most turbocharger applications employ a radial inflow turbine. However, to ensure radial stacking of the blade fibers and avoid excessive blade stresses, the inlet blade angle must remain at zero degrees, creating large incidence angles. Alternately, mixed flow turbines can offer non-zero blade angles while maintaining radial stacking of the blade fibers and reducing leading edge separation at low velocity ratios. Furthermore, the physical blade cone angle introduced reduces the blade mass at the rotor outer diameter reducing rotor inertia and improving turbine transient response. The current paper investigates the performance of a mixed flow turbine under a range of pulsating inlet flow conditions. A significant variation in incidence across the LE span was observed within the pulse, where the distribution of incidence over the LE span was also found to change over the duration of the pulse. Analysis of the secondary flow structures developing within the volute shows the non-uniform flow distribution at the volute outlet is the result of the Dean effect in the housing passage. In-depth analysis of the mixed flow effect is also included, showing that poor axial flow turning ahead of the rotor was evident, particularly at the hub, resulting in modest blade angles. This work shows that the complex secondary flow structures that develop in the turbine volute are heavily influenced by the inlet pulsating flow. In turn, this significantly impacts the rotor inlet conditions and rotor losses.
Cloud dynamic contribution to high-elevation peatland growth during the Holocene (Escalerani, Central Andes, Bolivia)
Authors: Escobar-Torrez Katerine , Ortuño Teresa , Bentaleb Ilham , Ledru Marie-Pierre
Published: June 2018

Changes in climate conditions during the Holocene are documented in different parts of South America, showing contrasting responses to global changes. This study was conducted in the wet puna at an elevation of 4040 m a.s.l. on the eastern side of the Cordillera Real in Bolivia near Lake Titicaca. Pollen, charcoal, and stable isotopes in a sediment core collected in the peatland of Escalerani were analyzed. Results revealed environmental changes during the past 7500 yr BP, with an increase in wet climate conditions from 5900 to 4700 cal. yr BP and 3500 to 1300 cal. yr BP, and two dry periods between 4700 and 3500 cal. yr BP and 1300 to 560 cal. yr BP. Changes in hydrological conditions ranged from local changes because of glacier melting to regional changes in annual rainfall variability, related to South American monsoon activity. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of cloud convective activity from the Amazon basin along the adiabatic gradient, which maintained moist conditions at high elevations even during the mid-Holocene dry phase. The last 70 years have been characterized by the degradation of the peatland because of human activity.
The Melatonin Analog IQM316 May Induce Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Preserve Recognition Memories in Mice
Authors: Figueiro-Silva Joana , Antequera Desireé , Pascual Consuelo , de la Fuente Revenga Mario , Volt Huayqui , Acuña-Castroviejo Darío , Rodríguez-Franco María Isabel , Carro Eva
Published: June 2018

Neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus is a unique process in neurobiology that requires functional integration of newly generated neurons, which may disrupt existing hippocampal network connections and consequently loss of established memories. As neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormal neurogenesis and memory dysfunctions are increasing, the identification of new anti-aging drugs is required. In adult mice, we found that melatonin, a well-established neurogenic hormone, and the melatonin analog 2-(2-(5-methoxy-1 H-indol-3-yl)ethyl)-5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (IQM316) were able to induce hippocampal neurogenesis, measured by neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling. More importantly, only IQM316 administration was able to induce hippocampal neurogenesis while preserving previously acquired memories, assessed with object recognition tests. In vitro studies with embryonic neural stem cells replicated the finding that both melatonin and IQM316 induce direct differentiation of neural precursors without altering their proliferative activity. Furthermore, IQM316 induces differentiation through a mechanism that is not dependent of melatonergic receptors (MTRs), since the MTR antagonist luzindole could not block the IQM316-induced effects. We also found that IQM316 and melatonin modulate mitochondrial DNA copy number and oxidative phosphorylation proteins, while maintaining mitochondrial function as measured by respiratory assays and enzymatic activity. These results uncover a novel pharmacological agent that may be capable of inducing adult hippocampal neurogenesis at a healthy and sustainable rate that preserves recognition memories.
Vascular Delivery of Allogeneic MuStem Cells in Dystrophic Dogs Requires Only Short-Term Immunosuppression to Avoid Host Immunity and Generate Clinical/Tissue Benefits
Authors: Lorant Judith , Larcher Thibaut , Jaulin Nicolas , Hedan Benoît , Lardenois Aurélie , Leroux Isabelle , Dubreil Laurence , Ledevin Mireille , Goubin Hélicia , Moullec Sophie , Deschamps Jack-Yves , Thorin Chantal , André Catherine , Adjali Oumeya , Rouger Karl
Published: June 2018

Growing demonstrations of regenerative potential for some stem cells led recently to promising therapeutic proposals for neuromuscular diseases. We have shown that allogeneic MuStem cell transplantation into Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dogs under continuous immunosuppression (IS) leads to persistent clinical stabilization and muscle repair. However, long-term IS in medical practice is associated with adverse effects raising safety concerns. Here, we investigate whether the IS removal or its restriction to the transplantation period could be considered. Dogs aged 4–5 months old received vascular infusions of allogeneic MuStem cells without IS (GRMDMU/no-IS) or under transient IS (GRMDMU/tr-IS). At 5 months post-infusion, persisting clinical status improvement of the GRMDMU/tr-IS dogs was observed while GRMDMU/no-IS dogs exhibited no benefit. Histologically, only 9-month-old GRMDMU/tr-IS dogs showed an increased muscle regenerative activity. A mixed cell reaction with the host peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) and corresponding donor cells revealed undetectable to weak lymphocyte proliferation in GRMDMU/tr-IS dogs compared with a significant proliferation in GRMDMU/no-IS dogs. Importantly, any dog group showed neither cellular nor humoral anti-dystrophin responses. Our results show that transient IS is necessary and sufficient to sustain allogeneic MuStem cell transplantation benefits and prevent host immunity. These findings provide useful critical insight to designing therapeutic strategies.
Emerging strategies and flexible forms of governance: The dynamics of role exchange in local value chains
Authors: Rocha Robson , Abreu Monica
Published: June 2018

The phasing out of the Multi-Fibre Agreement in 2005 triggered a global reorganization and relocation of the textile and garment industry. There is a rich literature on how global buyers with headquarters located in developed countries have played a dominant role in this reorganization process. The literature is less clear on how local firms have reacted or which new industrial structures are emerging in middle-income countries in response to these developments. This article examines how the textile and garment industry in Brazil is adapting to this new competitive environment. We show how large and small producers have transformed their relationships and created dynamic exchanges of roles in response to international competition, and how these new dynamic relationships are influencing the fast creation and fast destruction of value in fashion.
Systematic Review for the Quality of End-of-Life Care for Patients With Dementia in the Hospital Setting
Authors: Moon Felicity , McDermott Fiona , Kissane David
Published: June 2018

Background:

Patients with dementia may receive suboptimal end-of-life care in hospital settings reflecting broader debate around the palliative status of dementia syndromes.

Objectives:

To synthesize literature describing the quality of end-of-life care for patients with dementia dying in hospital.

Methods:

An integrative review assessed the quality of 26 articles concerning medical, nursing, and psychosocial care of patients with dementia dying in hospital settings.

Results:

Literature reflects a growing awareness of the need to consider a palliative approach to end-of-life care for patients with dementia in hospital. Patients with dementia are less likely to receive aggressive care at the end of life, but provision of palliative care interventions is inconsistent. Health-care professionals highlighted the need for greater education around identification and management of problematic symptoms at the end of life. Engagement of family caregivers is essential in optimizing end-of-life care, and further research is required to ascertain their experiences around decision-making.

Conclusion:

Although patients with dementia appear to receive less aggressive treatment at the end of life, the provision of palliative care and symptom management may be inadequate.
Nonformalin Fixative Agents: A Comparative Study of Fixative Efficacy and Histomorphology
Authors: Lam-ubol Aroonwan , Kitrueangphatchara Kitwat , Putthanuparp Thanapha , Arayakhun Rinrada , Kwanthong Raiwada , Choonhawarakorn Kitiwadee
Published: June 2018

Objectives. Formalin is a gold standard fixative agent. However, formalin possesses health hazards and is not always available in rural areas. The objective of this study was to compare tissue fixative efficacy of nonformalin fixative agents with formalin. Methods. Oral tissues obtained during impacted tooth removal were collected. The tissue fragments were sectioned and fixed in 4 different fixatives; 30% jaggery, 70% ethanol, 2% mepivacaine with 1:100 000 epinephrine, or formalin for 24 and 72 hours. All specimens were then immersed in formalin for another 24 hours and processed according to standard protocol. Hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections were evaluated by a pathologist. The cellular structure, cellular outline, and quality of staining were graded from 1 to 3 and average fixative efficacy scores were compared using 1-way analysis of variance. Fixative artifacts were described. Results. Fixative efficacy scores of 70% ethanol and 30% jaggery at 24 and 72 hours were not statistically different from those of formalin. Conversely, 2% mepivacaine demonstrated significantly lower fixative efficacy scores than other agents. Although efficacy of each fixative was not statistically different between 24 and 72 hours, efficacy of 70% ethanol was markedly reduced at 72 hours when compared with others. Acantholysis of epithelial cells was the most notable artifact at 72 hours when fixed with nonformalin fixative agents. Conclusion. Both 70% ethanol and 30% jaggery provided acceptable fixative efficacy at 24 hours. However, only 30% jaggery maintained fixative efficacy at 72 hours. Nevertheless, negative effects on the epithelial cells were unavoidable and should be interpreted with caution.
Phyto-evaluation of Cd-Pb Using Tropical Plants in Soil-Leachate Conditions
Authors: Ng Chuck Chuan , Boyce Amru Nasrulhaq , Rahman Md Motior , Abas Mhd Radzi , Mahmood Noor Zalina
Published: June 2018

Sources of soil contamination can exist in various types of conditions including in the form of semifluids. In this study, 3 different types of tropical plants, Acacia ( Acacia mangium Willd), Mucuna ( Mucuna bracteata DC. ex Kurz) and Vetiver ( Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash), were tested under different levels of soil-leachate conditions. The relative growth rate, metal tolerance, and phytoassessment of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) accumulation in the roots and shoots were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Tolerance index, translocation factor, metal accumulation ratio, and percentage metal efficacy were applied to assess the metal translocation ability among all the 3 types of plants. Significantly higher ( P < .05) accumulation of Cd and Pb was exhibited in the roots and shoots of all 3 plants growing under the soil-leachate conditions. However, negative growth performance and plant withering were observed in both Acacia and Mucuna with increased application of higher soil-leachate levels. Vetiver accumulated remarkably higher total concentration of Cd (116.16-141.51 mg/kg) and Pb (156.37-365.27 mg/kg) compared with both Acacia and Mucuna. The overall accumulation trend of Cd and Pb in the 3 plants growing under the soil-leachate conditions was in the order of Vetiver > Acacia > Mucuna. The findings of the study suggest that Vetiver has great potential as Cd and Pb phytoremediator in soil-leachate conditions.
Rolling bearing seizure and sliding effects on fatigue life
Authors: Morales-Espejel Guillermo E , Gabelli Antonio
Published: June 2018

The effects of kinematic sliding on rolling contact fatigue life have been discussed in many occasions, often with some disregard of the fundamental principles of tribology. In this paper, the authors’ intention is to discuss this issue with a perspective as objective as possible and performing a study on factual and known scientific knowledge, applying tribology modelling and methods. The effects of kinematic sliding of Hertzian contacts are studied from three different standpoints: (1) by analysing the combination of sliding speed and contact pressure giving rise to seizure, that is high instantaneous contact temperatures leading to film collapse, (2) by assessing the possible effects of sliding to surface traction and fatigue, (3) by discussing other possible effects of sliding in heavily loaded lubricated contacts as the concurrent damage mechanism caused by wear and rolling contact fatigue. Throughout the paper, different numerical models are presented and discussed alongside with some experimental data. This approach provides a comprehensive assessment of the various phenomena related to the kinematic sliding of rolling bearings. The different mechanisms involved and the interaction of sliding with the elastohydrodynamic lubricant film, frictional stress, wear and fatigue are discussed, and their significance to the performance of the bearing is qualified.
Nonlinear behavior analysis and control of the atomic force microscope and circuit implementation
Authors: Hsieh Chin-Tsung , Yau Her-Terng , Wang Cheng-Chi , Hsieh Yi-Sheng
Published: June 2018

In this paper an analysis of the nonlinear dynamic behavior and control of an atomic force microscope system is described. Phase plane trajectories, spectrum analysis, bifurcation analysis, the Poincare cross-section, the maximal Lyapunov exponent, and other numerical analysis methods were used to observe and verify the dynamic characteristics and the differential equations for the system. The results showed that at specific excitation frequencies, the system will exhibit nonlinear behavior that may be cyclic, multi-cyclic or acyclic. A Psim circuit simulation using the same parameters showed the same nonlinear behavior, as did laboratory circuit implementations. The results also showed than an understanding and control of the dynamic characteristics would not be an easy task. However, they could be used as a basis for the suppression and control of nonlinear behavior and vibration in atomic force microscope systems. A proportional-derivative system was also used, with particle swarm optimization, to find the control parameters Kp and KD and a fuzzy controller was used to compare the results. The controller simulation and hardware implementation both effectively inhibited the nonlinear behavior and were most helpful for the control and enhancement of measurement accuracy.
What makes urban governance co-productive? Contradictions in the current debate on co-production
Authors: Galuszka Jakub
Published: June 2018

Following a number of prominent concepts in urban planning, like participatory planning or self-help housing, co-production has started to gain momentum in the global South context. While it is has been long discussed as a means of service provision, the term is more and more often used in the broader sense of urban governance and policy planning. This understanding goes beyond the aspect of scaling-up successful co-productive infrastructure focused projects; rather, it indicates a different format of engagement for prompting urban stakeholders into planning citywide urban solutions. This article discusses the distinction between the different levels of co-production and their inter-linkages, and it investigates the relevance of positioning co-production as a factor framing urban governance. This includes a discussion on three main contradictions that can be identified within the current discussion on co-production. Finally, it identifies a set of arguments for elaborating the role of co-production in a policy and urban governance setting.
Radiation from large-scale structures within a turbulent shear layer
Authors: Miller Steven AE , Shen Weiqi
Published: June 2018

We examine the acoustic radiation from multiple high-speed subsonic and supersonic free shear layers. We decompose the flow field into a base component (an average), a component associated with the spatially and temporarily growing and decaying instability waves, and the acoustic radiation associated from the instability waves. We find an analytical solution for the acoustic radiation through the use of an acoustic analogy. The arguments of the acoustic analogy involve the two-point cross-correlation of quantities associated with the base flow and instability waves. The instability waves are modeled with a newly proposed basis function. A combination of large eddy simulation, steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solutions, and turbulence modeling is used to close the acoustic model. We compare our predictions to those of previous investigators and our predictions match previous theory. We find that the dominant acoustic radiation is due to the large-scale highly spatially coherent turbulence. The interaction of the instability waves causes secondary broadband radiation at higher observer angles.
Accuracy and Reliability of Radiographic Estimation of Volar Lip Fragment Size in PIP Dorsal Fracture-Dislocations
Authors: Donovan Daniel S. , Podolnick Jeremy D. , Reizner Wayne , Barron O. Alton , Catalano Louis W. , Glickel Steven Z.
Published: June 2018

Background: A cadaveric study was performed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of radiographic estimation of the volar lip fragment size in proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations. Methods: Middle phalangeal base volar lip fractures of varying size and morphology were simulated in 18 digits. Radiographs and digital photographs of the middle phalangeal joint surface were obtained pre- and postinjury. Ten orthopedic surgeons of varying levels of training estimated the fracture size based on radiographs. The estimated joint involvement on radiograph was compared with the digitally measured joint involvement. Results: Radiographic estimation underestimated the volar lip fragment size by 9.02%. Estimations possessed high intraobserver (0.76-0.98) and interobserver (0.88-0.97) reliabilities. No differences were detected between levels of surgeon training. Conclusions: The significant underestimation of the volar lip fragment size demonstrates the lack of radiographic estimation accuracy and suggests that surgeons should be mindful of these results when making treatment plans.
Safety profile of an 8F femoral arteriotomy closure using the Angio-Seal device in thrombolysed acute stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy
Authors: Wareham James , Luppe Sebastian , Youssef Adam , Crossley Robert , Mortimer Alex
Published: June 2018

Background

The relationship between bridging thrombolysis and femoral access site complications after mechanical thrombectomy remains contested. Use of a closure device could minimise bleeding complications. This study aimed to elucidate the rate of access site complications in a cohort of patients treated using an 8F groin sheath with subsequent closure using the Angio-Seal to assess safety and the impact of bridging thrombolysis on access site complication rate.

Methods

All patients with large vessel occlusive stroke treated between 2014 and 2017 with thrombectomy with or without bridging thrombolysis were reviewed. A prospectively acquired departmental database was used to obtain baseline data, and the radiology information and haematology reporting systems were used to record imaging or transfusion relating to subsequent access site complications.

Results

Seventy-five patients treated with thrombectomy alone were compared to 70 patients treated with prior intravenous thrombolysis. All had an 8F femoral sheath placed for arterial access, and all underwent attempted haemostasis with an 8F Angio-Seal. Two patients (1.14%) suffered Angio-Seal device failure necessitating manual pressure. One patient (0.6%) suffered a small femoral pseudo-aneurysm. No retroperitoneal haemorrhage, haematoma requiring transfusion, ipsilateral deep-vein thrombosis or ipsilateral acute limb ischaemia was encountered. There was no significant difference in the rate of haemorrhagic, ischaemic or infective complications between those treated with bridging thrombolysis or thrombectomy alone.

Conclusion

Use of the Angio-Seal closure device for 8F femoral access is safe in acute stroke patients. Intravenous thrombolysis prior to endovascular thrombectomy does not significantly alter femoral access site complication rate if this approach is used.
Pain and outcomes of carpal tunnel release under local anaesthetic with or without a tourniquet: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Iqbal Hafiz J. , Doorgakant Ashtin , Rehmatullah Nader N. T. , Ramavath Ashok L. , Pidikiti Prasad , Lipscombe Stephen
Published: June 2018

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to investigate carpal tunnel decompression under local anaesthesia. Carpal tunnel decompression was performed in 37 wrists using local anaesthesia and an arm tourniquet and 36 without tourniquet but with a local anaesthetic mixture containing adrenaline. Patients who underwent carpal tunnel decompression using a tourniquet experienced a significantly greater degree of pain when compared with those who did not have a tourniquet. Pain and hand function improved to a similar degree in both groups. We conclude that carpal tunnel decompression performed with a tourniquet causes patients unnecessary pain with no additional benefit as compared with the wide-awake carpal tunnel decompression without use of a tourniquet.

Level of evidence: I
Pronator teres selective neurectomy in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Helin Marion , Bachy Manon , Stanchina Claire , Fitoussi Frank
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the results after selective pronator teres (PT) neurectomy in children with spastic hemiplegia. Patients with PT spasticity without contracture and an active supination improvement after PT botulinum toxin injection were included. Hand function and deformities were evaluated with the House score, Gschwind and Tonkin pronation deformity classification and Zancolli’s classification. Twenty-two patients (mean age 11.6 years) were included in this study. The average follow-up was 32.6 months. All but one patient improved their supination with a preoperative mean active supination of 5° (range −80–70°) and postoperative of 48° (range 10–90°). Active pronation was always maintained at the last follow-up. PT selective neurectomy appears to improve active and passive forearm supination and should be included in a global strategy of treatments to improve upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy.

Level of evidence: IV
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy and concomitant medical conditions: A review of cases at a quaternary obstetric hospital
Authors: Lamprecht Annabelle , Morton Adam , Laurie Josephine , Lee Winnifred
Published: June 2018

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a rare complication of pregnancy that may result in fulminant hepatic failure. We present a review of all patients presenting to a quaternary obstetric hospital over a 15-year period, with particular regard to biochemical changes, results of gene testing, and pre-existing conditions. Seventeen patients with acute fatty liver of pregnancy were identified. Six patients were documented to have pre-existing gastrointestinal disease; five with inflammatory bowel disease, and one with influenza A hepatitis. Antithrombin III levels were low in this study, consistent with previously published data. There were no recurrences of acute fatty liver of pregnancy in nine subsequent pregnancies to seven mothers. The authors are not aware of any literature addressing pre-existing medical conditions which may predispose to acute fatty liver of pregnancy.
Quantitative and non-invasive measurement of exercise-induced fatigue
Authors: Ameli Sina , Naghdy Fazel , Stirling David , Naghdy Golshah , Aghmesheh Morteza
Published: June 2018

Prolonged exercise-induced muscular fatigue adversely affects physical performance. The fatigue increases the risk of sport injuries, whereas early fatigue detection and assessment can prevent injuries. An assessment of the most crucial impacts of fatigue on physical performance leads to the development of an accurate, non-invasive and objective muscular fatigue measurement method. The most common manifestation of exercise-induced fatigue is a significant decline in force produced by the muscles that in turn affects motion characteristics. This directly alters body postural behaviour and decreases the amount of kinetic energy produced by the subject. The current non-invasive and objective methods to measure fatigue and analyse motion characteristics cannot provide a comprehensive information about muscular fatigue because of their limited ability to record different aspects of motion. An objective and non-invasive assessment method of exercise-induced fatigue, in which the variations in postural behaviour and kinetic energy are quantified to determine the fatigue effects on the motion characteristics, is proposed. The inertial parameters associated with 23 body segments of 20 healthy subjects (males and females) were measured during stair climbing tests before and after a fatigue protocol. The degree of fatigue was assessed by a score measuring the total differences in kinetic energy and postural behaviour between the first and second stair climbing tests. A Gaussian mixture model was used to classify the body postures and the total variation in postural behaviour caused by the two stair climbing tests was determined. The validity of the method to measure the degree of fatigue induced by this fatigue protocol was ascertained by benchmarking it against the degree of fatigue experienced by the subjects during fatigue protocol and reported in a questionnaire based on the Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale. A Pearson product-moment correlation measuring the linear correlation between the objective and subjective fatigue scores shows a strong correlation of 0.95 for male subjects and 0.70 for female subjects. The findings demonstrate that inertial motion analysis proposed in this study provides a reliable, non-invasive and accurate fatigue measurement tool.
Managing common problems in the menopause
Authors: Newson Louise , Panay Nick
Published: June 2018

The menopause is a normal life event for women and not an illness or medical condition. Despite this, menopause can predispose vulnerable women to distressing symptoms that impact adversely on their quality of life and to long term medical conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and dementia. Many healthcare professionals are uncertain about the management of the menopause, and this leads to many women not receiving treatment which is often beneficial to them. This article will cover the diagnosis of the menopause including premature ovarian insufficiency. Some of the health risks of the menopause will be discussed and treatment of the menopause, with a particular focus on hormone replacement therapy, will be covered in detail.
Infectious illness prevention and control methods and their effectiveness in non-health workplaces: an integrated literature review
Authors: Hansen Stephanie , Zimmerman Peta-Anne , van de Mortel Thea F
Published: June 2018

Background:

Infectious illness in the workplace places a substantial cost burden on employers due to productivity losses from employee absenteeism and presenteeism.

Aim:

Given the clear impacts of infectious illness on workplaces, this review aimed to investigate the international literature on the effectiveness and cost-benefit of the strategies non-healthcare workplaces use to prevent and control infectious illnesses in these workplaces.

Methods:

MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus with Fulltext and Business Source Complete were searched concurrently using EBSCO Host 1995–2016.

Findings:

Infection prevention and control strategies to reduce workplace infectious illness and absenteeism evaluated in the literature include influenza vaccination programs, use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser and paid sick days. While the reported studies have various methodological flaws, there is good evidence of the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing workplace infectious illness and absences and moderate evidence to support hand hygiene programs.

Discussion:

Some studies used more than one intervention concurrently, making it difficult to determine the relative benefit of each individual strategy. Workplace strategies to prevent and control infectious illness transmission may reduce costs and productivity losses experienced by businesses and organisations related to infectious illness absenteeism and presenteeism.