bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Phenomenology of a Railway Expedition in China: The Gate, the Station, the Journey and the Arrival
Authors: Xi Junjie , Mejias Villatoro Paco
Published: May 2020

Hosting more than two-thirds of the global high-speed train network, and growing at an unprecedented rate, China has become an interesting location for studying this infrastructure. In this paper, the authors begin by introducing some particularities related to the high-speed travel experience, in order to provide a general understanding of how it affects people’s perceptions of time and space. This is followed by an explanation of some peculiarities that have defined the Chinese case as unique. Grounded on theories that assert the interlaced connection between modernity and phenomenology, in this paper the authors explore the connection between the conditions that defined modernity in China and the phenomenology of travel using high-speed trains. The problematic initial approach to Chinese modernity – through the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution – impacted later decisions regarding the new infrastructure, rendering high-speed train journeys in China unique. After the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976, when China recovered a sense of normality and togetherness, modernity was globally staged out. Two years later, China commenced the development of its high-speed rail (HSR) network and the beginning of the reform era, as part of its statements of a reframed modernity. This paper explores how the singularities of the Chinese modernity have affected the development of the High-speed train network, defining a particular phenomenology of the trip.
Arbitration in Patent Disputes
Authors: Khan Shaharyar Ashraf , Alag Ashita
Published: May 2020

The commercial disputes between business entities to boost international trade and technology will increasingly involve an aspect of patents. Among various modes of ADR, the arbitration is preferred more over litigation. Still, various arguments have been presented both in favor and against arbitration in patent disputes. Thus, this chapter deals with the scope of patent disputes that can be referred to arbitration, which needs to be analyzed and defined, keeping in mind the consequent advantages of arbitration in case of patent disputes over traditional litigation. Additionally, there are various procedural aspects related to arbitration that might be specifically relevant to an arbitration involving patents and may require special attention by parties involved in such arbitration have also been made subject and discussed in detail.
Women Custodians of Tradition
Authors: Pathak Sudha Jha
Published: May 2020

Hidden in the obscure spirals of rural subconscious of Bihar are vast memories of history, culture, and tradition. These memories are invoked and brought forth by the subtle nuances of folklore, song, and painting by women. A sub-stratum of women memories of power and energy has existed since the ancient past where women were the repositories and sustainers of heritage. Madhubani painting can be said to be a creation of communal spiritual experience. It can be comprehended not just as an aesthetic wonder but also as a representation of collective mind, expressing millennia of traditional knowledge of the women artists and a form of transmitting a series of ancestral motifs. The uniqueness of this beautiful art form along with its specific geographical location has led to it being conferred its own geographical identification or GI tag by the government. The region has evoked the interest and appreciation of art connoisseurs, scholars, and tourists from all over the world, thus creating a niche for itself in the world of art.
Traditional Knowledge and State Compliance
Authors: Masoni Claudia
Published: May 2020

The chapter analyses Indigenous traditional knowledge and traditional ecologic knowledge in the context of international intellectual property instruments (IP). In so doing, the chapter studies the major international intellectual property law regimes such as the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and the Convention on Biological Diversity to prove that such instruments are ill suited to protect Indigenous peoples' knowledge and the biological resources in their custody. The New Zealand case Wai 262 shows in detail how international economic pressures often trump any aim to create national sui generis IP instruments to safeguard Indigenous knowledge.
Determinants of Purchasing Intention for Re-Commerce in the Fashion Industry
Authors: Kumar Nilesh
Published: May 2020

The re-commerce concept has gained huge attention from the consumer in the fashion market. India is a country with people from different cultural backgrounds and communities. Clothing is treated differently in India. Due to the important social significance of textiles, clothing is rarely thrown away. For this study, 200 university students and professors have been selected and their behavior analyzed. This study found that Indian consumers are always in need of uniqueness, and self-perception has an indirect impact on their purchase intention or buying behavior. Consumers with different levels of understanding, culture, and beliefs also showed differing preference structures. Results showed the intention of buying reused or recycled clothes mainly to match the lifestyle to satisfy the individual desires.
Recycling and Reuse of Fashion
Authors: Saini Chand Prakash , Nair M. K. , Shankar K. Tara
Published: May 2020

The chapter examines the role of recycling and reuse of fashion in order to achieve environmental sustainability. The chapter supports its conclusion by various reports that recycling of textile waste can be solutions to many environmental issues caused by fast fashion. However, textile recycling is an old term; in recent years, it has gained attention again due to fast fashion culture in significant parts of the world, which has resulted in overconsumption of textiles and led to waste generation. Waste recycling has become a multibillion industry. New ways are being created in terms of the development of sorting machines, design inputs, and innovative high-value products to make recycling a profitable proposition. The chapter also highlights how the second-hand market of clothes and the internet as a facilitator can help in reducing textile waste.
Influence of Micro-Celebrities on Generation Z
Authors: Tolani Kanchan Chandar , Sao Ruchi
Published: May 2020

A micro-celebrity is a person who has transformed from an ordinary person to a celebrity. Many organizations use micro-celebrities for advertising their products as they get to reach a larger audience easily. Micro-celebrities not only get popularity but also get to earn revenue; the desire for social media fame is found in many youths (Generation Z) today. The current study throws light on the perception of Generation Z towards micro-celebrities, identifies the influence of micro-celebrities on customer engagement, and explores micro-celebrity as an emerging career option for Generation Z. Major findings reveal that Generation Z follows micro-celebrities to stay updated with trends. Though association with micro-celebrities gives companies better customer reach, the influence of micro-celebrities on the purchase decision is uncertain. Many Generation Z individuals aspire to be micro-celebrities; however, when it comes to a career choice, some prefer to take it as a side hustle.
The Impact of Circular Economy on the Fashion Industry
Authors: Aslan Tugce , Akbiyik Adem
Published: May 2020

The fundamental changes in technology and globalization have changed consumer preferences along with the way people buy and consume. This change has profoundly affected new business models and consumption systems in all commercial markets, including the fashion industry in particular. Moreover, fashion businesses have begun to shift from traditional proprietary access business models to the sharing economy. The effect of the sharing economy or circular economy on the fashion industry is increasing day by day. Clothing sharing services, recycling, and re-use of used garments contribute to environmental sustainability and contribute to economic and social sustainability through sales revenue and employment. However, there is limited academic research on clothing sharing models. This research focuses on Dolap application, a clothing sharing service. It examines the role of trust in clothing sharing services from a consumer perspective. As a result of the analysis, it was found that trust in the platform positively and significantly affected the trust given to the service provider.
Customer Engagement by Fashion Brands
Authors: Nagaraj Samala
Published: May 2020

No matter what changes time and technology bring to the world, fashion has its own way of adaptation. In the present times dominated by advanced technology and information, fashion enthusiasts, marketers, and industry are facing challenges and learning to adapt the new. With the increased options of selecting favorite fashion brands through largely available channels and information, fashion customers are equipped today with greater flexibility and understanding; this challenges brands to retain customers. Marketers are using new ways and platforms to engage customers. The chapter focuses on the effective marketing strategies adopted by fashion brands to engage customers. The chapter elaborately discusses the latest technologies and platforms used to engage customers. The chapter attempts to exemplify the effective engagement strategies followed by some of the successful fashion brands. It discusses new techniques in engaging like gamification and the use of advanced analytics for evaluation.
Gender Bias in School Education
Authors: Thasniya K. T.
Published: May 2020

Education has ever been considered as the best instrument for facilitating women empowerment and ensuring gender justice. Schools play a major role in gender socialization, and are expected to develop proper attitudes and values in children required for a gender just society. Based on the empirical studies conducted in 24 schools in Kerala, India, the gender bias existing in the overall school climate and classroom practices are exposed. The study using observation and interviews revealed that the practices in several schools are gendered with regard to the rules and regulations, dress code, seating arrangements and play provisions to boys and girls. Findings also revealed that there are gendered classroom practices existing with regard to teacher-student verbal interaction, teacher eye contact and attention, grouping of students, assigning roles and responsibilities, and disciplinary practices. Based on the findings, the author suggests measures to eliminate the gender bias from the school education system.
Measuring Empowerment of Women Through Internet
Authors: Purushothaman Aparna
Published: May 2020

The chapter discusses the Measuring Empowerment Framework and how it can be used to measure the phenomenon of empowerment through the internet. The ME framework not only provides the opportunity to measure the concept of empowerment through the indicators of empowerment defined for the research participants but also by identifying whether there is sufficient opportunity for the women to use the achieved competencies and capabilities through the project in the future. Although the framework has been interpreted and applied to projects in different countries on a bigger scale, it also lends itself to be applied to smaller project settings and gives the flexibility to choose variables depending on the project's context.
Elderly Women Empowerment in the Aging Process
Authors: Özsungur Fahri
Published: May 2020

This study was carried out to draw a road map for the cognitive empowerment of women in the aging process. The fact that women are under negative effects in physical, biological, and cultural contexts reveals the fact that they may have some psychological and perceptual problems. Perceptually, struggle against the difficulties experienced in the aging process requires a cognitive approach. Improving women's perceptual self-management skills will lead to success in the aging process. The theoretical framework of the study is explained with the topics of successful aging theory, successful aging in the workplace, cognitive theory of aging. Cognitive empowerment is explained with the topics of perception in aging, psychological effects, socio-emotional selectivity theory, emotional regulation, expressive suppression, cognitive reappraisal self-perception in aging, the self paradox, interpersonal conflicts, personality theory of aging, physical perception effects. Besides, recommendations are presented with a cognitive approach to overcome the difficulties in the aging process of women.
The Road Less Travelled
Authors: Seema S. P.
Published: May 2020

One of the most crucial factors affecting development in the 21st century is the increased participation of women in the economy of a country and increased entrance to managerial positions. Even though such tremendous changes have taken place, the patriarchal social set up insists on women's responsibilities towards family and children. The domestic roles of women are not shared by men despite the fact that women have shared the economic and social responsibilities of men. This causes conflict among work and family roles, which ultimately affects the physical and psychological well-being of women managers. This chapter deals with the problems and challenges faced by women managers in higher education in India and how family support and suitable coping strategies help them maintain work-family balance.
Interim Management Strategy as a Way of Empowering Women Leadership
Authors: Kişi Nermin
Published: May 2020

Although major steps have been taken to increase inclusive representation of women in the workforce, there is a significant gender gap in achieving leadership roles in both developed and developing regions. In particular, many women around the world face serious challenges that prevent them from moving to leadership positions. Women's empowerment approaches are needed in order to have equal access to resources, to participate in decision-making processes, and to support career advancement. Within this context, interim management strategies can be considered as one of the empowering opportunities for women leadership. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the role of interim management on women leaders' empowerment. This is the first attempt that evaluates the notion of interim management as part of empowerment of women's leadership. It is expected to add value to literature on women in leadership positions and corporate decision-making.
Social Empowerment of Women in India With Special Focus on the Recent Supreme Court Landmark Decisions
Authors: Chengappa M. P.  , Roy Aishwarya
Published: May 2020

Historically, women have been attached with so many disabilities. Much attention has not been paid to the social and economic development of the women despite women consisting of half of the population. Apart from constitutional and fundamental rights, there is a separate chapter created under the Indian constitution (i.e., Directive Principles of State Policy), which mandates the state towards positive obligation for the empowerment of weaker sections of the society including women. The contribution of Parliament through the enactment of a law for the social development of women is positive. The Apex court in India struck down so many archaic legal provisions that discriminate against the women in its various decisions. The objective of the chapter is 1) an analysis of the methodology adopted by the court for the empowerment of the women, 2) to access the practical implication of court cases on the social empowerment of women, and 3) to look into the strategy adopted by the executive or government in furtherance of the said landmark decisions.
Religious Personal Laws in India
Authors: Das Sonia K.
Published: May 2020

Contemporary India is a multicultural society that is pluralistic with regard to family laws. Different groups in India have separate religious personal laws that India's secular state is reluctant to reform. These laws deny even formal equality in personal relations. They have generated debate about the meaning of gender equality in India. Women occupy a less advantageous position in the arena of religious personal laws, which in fact goes against the Constitutional guarantees of equality and also cherished human rights. In India the constitutionally guaranteed gender equality is to be juxtaposed with the harsh societal realities. A uniform civil code (UCC) with all the existing discrepancies and inequalities is not the solution for the issue. The existing laws governing family relations should be critically analyzed and redefined from a feminist jurisprudential perspective, which of course should be the basis of UCC.
Eazidi Women's Practices of Empowerment and Capital Formation Following Enslavement by ISIS
Authors: Salih Kaziwa
Published: May 2020

This chapter begins by surveying the historical context of rape in Iraq through the narrative of Eazidi women who escaped enslavement by ISIS. It then discusses the theology of rape in Islam, which has motivated ISIS to commit rape and legitimized the rape of Eazidi women. The chapter then theorizes the social capital of Middle Eastern women. The chapter argues that, for the first time, the Eazidi community in Iraq is altering the social consequences of rape by developing empowerment methods that amount to a social revolution within the Eazidi community. This empowerment not only protects Eazidi women survivors from experiencing common post-rape consequences but also increases their capital, in all its Bourdieusian forms.
Students' Behaviour in the Classroom Environment
Authors: A. Anbarasu , M. Bhuvaneswari
Published: May 2020

In this modern era, the behaviour of students has a huge impact on classroom environment and often time causes destruction to learning environment, teaching environment and crippled the social, educational, and holistic growth of the students. This chapter mainly deals with various reasons for behavioural problems in school classrooms and is also aimed at suggesting new strategies in dealing with learning challenges posed by problematic student behaviour and different ways to deal with it. Students should be motivated with proper discipline. It puts forth measures considering the academic environment of school, and emphasis on the contribution of strategies to improving student behaviour.
Intra-Personal Emotional Intelligence Among College Students in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu
Authors: A. Dunstan Rajkumar , Sharma Ajay Kumar , Manikandan A.
Published: May 2020

The competency of individuals to distinguish their own emotions and those of others is known as emotional intelligence. It is the “ability of an individual to accomplish and control his or her emotions and own the capacity to control the emotions of others as well.” There are four branch models of enthusiastic insight that portrays capacities of different zones of emotional intelligence. First one being the perceiving emotions; it is the expression of emotions in a non-verbal reception; using emotions; use of emotions to facilitate thoughts; understanding emotions: where emotions convey information; managing emotions: emotions are managed and understood to convey information. This study focuses on the intrapersonal emotional intelligence which is the basis for interpersonal emotional intelligence. The aspects viz., understanding emotions, managing emotions, intrinsic motivation building, and zeal are studied. The study attempts to identify the factors of emotions present in the college students so as to help them to build an effective intrapersonal emotional intelligence.
Assessment of Vocabulary Levels Among Regional Middle School Students
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Kumar Prasantha
Published: May 2020

Vocabulary plays a vital role in language learning and teaching. Knowledge of vocabulary is the root of second language learning. An assessment of regional middle students' lexical knowledge is essential before enhancing second language learning and teaching. This chapter is an empirical study based on written tests. The researcher used the following sections for testing vocabulary levels: (1) compound words; (2) odd one out - word group; (3) prefix; (4) suffix; and (5) identifying professions through pictures. This chapter interprets the data and analyzes the five sections, showing averages and frequencies. This study offers suggestions for empowering and enhancing vocabulary in second language learning and teaching.
Human Resources Information Systems Implementation and Influences in Higher Education
Authors: Davarpanah Ashkan , Mohamed Norshidah
Published: May 2020

The research seeks to develop and test a theoretical model to explain the implementation and influences of human resource information systems (HRIS's) for a Malaysian higher education institution. Data was gathered from 103 respondents in the institution using a survey questionnaire. Results show that system factor, through information quality, and institution-based trust, through situational normality and structural assurance, contribute to user satisfaction. User satisfaction and situational normality predict user-perceived HRIS benefits. Findings aid researchers and practitioners in human resource function when explaining user-perceived benefits and satisfaction with HRIS implementation. The research advances understanding of the role of HRIS in supporting human capital performance and enhancing productivity.
Entropy-Based Breast Cancer Detection in Digital Mammograms Using World Cup Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Razmjooy Navid , Estrela Vania V. , Loschi Hermes Jose
Published: May 2020

Breast cancer is one of the deadliest cancers for women. Early detection of skin cancer gives a high chance for the women to escape from the malady and obtain a cure at the initial stages. In other words, early detection of breast cancer has a direct relation by the women's quality of life. In this case, mammography images are important. Indeed, the main test used for screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer is mammography. In recent years, computer-aided cancer detection has been turned into an active field of research and showed a promising future. In this study, a new optimization algorithm based on thresholding is introduced. A WCO algorithm is employed as the optimization algorithm. WCO is a new meta-heuristic approach which is inspired by the FIFA world cup challenge. The presented method utilizes random samples as candidate solutions from the search space inside the image histogram with considering to the objective function that is utilized by the Kapur's method.
Fuzzy Optimized Gravitational Search Algorithm for Disease Prediction
Authors: Yadav Utkarsh , Tyagi Twishi , Nagpal Sushama
Published: May 2020

In this article, fuzzy logic and gravitational search algorithms have been amalgamated and explored for feature selection in the automated prediction of diseases. The gravitational search algorithm has been used for search optimization while fuzzy logic had been used for its parameter tuning. Feature selection has been considered as a dual objective problem in the article, i.e. selecting minimum number of features without compromising the accuracy of classification, which is performed using K-Nearest Neighbour classifier. The improved algorithm has been tested with various publicly available medical datasets to analyse its effectiveness. The results indicate that the approach not only reduces the feature set by an average of 67.66% but also increases the accuracy by an average of 12%. Further, the results have also been compared with the prior work wherein the feature selection has been done using other evolutionary techniques. It is observed that the proposed approach is able to generate better results in most of the cases.
Phonon Thermal Conductivity of the Cubic and Monoclinic Phases of Zirconia by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Momenzadeh Leila , Belova Irina V. , Murch Graeme E.
Published: May 2020

Zirconia has a number of remarkable properties, including a very low thermal conductivity. In this research, the phonon thermal conductivity of two phases (cubic and monoclinic) of zirconia (ZrO2) are calculated. For this purpose, an equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation employing the Green-Kubo formalism is used. The results are presented in detail over a wide temperature range, from 100 K to 2400 K and 100 K to 1400 K for the above-mentioned structures, respectively, with a 100K temperature step. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium atomic volume demonstrated a reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the lattice thermal conductivity was calculated by analysing the heat current autocorrelation function. The results showed that zirconia has a low thermal conductivity that is dependent on the temperature. It was also shown that the lattice thermal conductivity of the two phases of zirconia can be decomposed into three contributions due to the acoustic shortrange and long-range phonon and optical phonon modes. Finally, the results from this research are compared with the available experimental data.
Prediction of Stress-Strain Response Using Rotational Multiple Yield Surface Framework in Malaysian Residual Soil
Authors: Alias Asmidar , Md Noor Mohd Jamaludin , Rahman Abdul Samad Abdul
Published: May 2020

Soil settlement is normally quantified using conventional soil volume change models which are solely based on the effective stress and the role of shear strength is ignored due to the difficulties to incorporate in the framework. The Rotational Multiple Yield Surface Framework (RMYSF) is a soil volume change model developed from the standpoint of the interaction between the effective stress and shear strength. RMYSF incorporates the development of mobilised shear strength within the body of the soil whenever the soil is subjected to anisotropic compression. Currently the framework has been applied to predict the soil anisotropic stress-strain behaviour at any effective stress. This paper present the enhancement of this volume change framework using normalisation of axial strain with the understanding that the failure axial strain is not unique, but increases as the effective stress increases. This technique has essentially produced a better accuracy in the prediction of the stress-strain response for Malaysian residual soils. A series of drained tri-axial tests under various effective stresses has been conducted using specimens of 50mm diameter and 100mm height and from the stress-strain curves the inherent mobilised shear strength envelopes at various axial strains have been determined. These mobilised shear strength envelopes were then applied for the prediction of the soil stress-strain response. An excellent agreement between the predicted and the actual stress-strain curves has been achieved.
On the Effect of Material Properties Uncertainty on the Magnitude of Temperature Oscillations in Two-Component Periodic Laminate: Tolerance Averaging Modelling
Authors: Ostrowski Piotr , Jędrysiak Jarosław
Published: May 2020

Over last decades composite materials gained even more interests in many industries due to theirs effective properties which may be apparently different (better) then constituents itself. By specific layout and distribution of composite components we can achieve desired properties in macro scale, e.g. high elasticity and low conductivity at the same time. On all interfaces, by perfect contact between phases, there will appear jump of gradient field (displacement or temperature) of unknown magnitude. This magnitude depends in fact, for the heat transfer problem, inter alia on the ratio of conductivities of composite constituents lying next to interface. Values of these oscillation magnitudes are case of our study here. The conductor under considerations is a two-phase, periodic laminate subjected to initial-boundary conditions assuring unidirectional heat flow, perpendicular to the laminas. Ratios of material properties are assumed as random variables of known probabilistic distribution. We will give an answer to the question: is the jump function of temperature gradient a random variable of Gaussian distribution In order to have a good description to considered problem we have decided on the use of tolerance averaging technique.
Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Reinforced Aluminum (6061) Composites Using Closed Die Forging
Authors: Babu J.S.Suresh , Park Jun , Kang Chung Gil
Published: May 2020

In this study, the closed die forging of aluminium based compoistes reinfoced with CNTs (1vol% and 3vol%) were investigated. Initially, the composites were fabricated using high energy ball milling followed by compaction and sintering. The microstructural results showed that finer grain size and homogeneous dispersion of CNTs were obtained. Composites with up to 97% densification were produced when fine open porosities were removed by closed die forging. The results imply that the hardness and compressive strength of composites with 3vol.% of CNTs has improved without any deterioration. In addition, workability behaviors of composites were investigated by cold upsetting test. For that pore reopening test was performed to confirm the closure of micro-pores after the closed die forged, and to further analyze the densification of the composites. Typical cases, as the pores were not re-opened even after increasing the strain, additional forming is possible up to large deformations.
IC Compatible Materials for Sensors
Authors: French Paddy J.
Published: May 2020

In cases where we can achieve integrated sensors using only layers already in the standard IC layers, the only compatibility issues may be the requirement for additional etch steps. In cases where additional layers are required, either for sensing or protection, we have to consider the compatibility of the materials. These issues can be thermal budget during processing, mechanical stress or chemical contamination. In some cases, this led to the option of hybrid, where the sensor and electronics are on separate chips, but combined in a single package. This paper will examine the development of integrated sensors, and the issues combining additional layers with a standard IC process.
Research on Shielding Effectiveness Calculation Method of Electromagnetic Shielding Materials
Authors: Mei Nan , Wang Xiao Yu , Wang Xin , Li Hua Fang , Wei Min Hong , Liu Jin , Shi Song
Published: May 2020

Electromagnetic shielding materials are widely used in engineering. Shielding effectiveness is an important index to measure the shielding effect of electromagnetic shielding materials. A method for calculating the shielding effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding materials is discussed in this paper. This method applies the small reflection theory in transmission line theory. Two kinds of materials are selected as samples. Firstly, the shielding performance is calculated by calculation. Then, shielding performance was measured using a network analyzer and coaxial devices. By comparing the above two results, the feasibility of this method is verified. By using this method, the shielding performance with acceptable accuracy can be obtained when the electromagnetic parameters of the material are known. Thus, the limitation for the application of electromagnetic shielding materials is reduced.
Preparation and Properties of Graphene / Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) Composite Fibers
Authors: Samsaray Thitiya , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: May 2020

A novel nanocomposite fibers were prepared from poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via melt spinning and their thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. Graphite oxide and rGO were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). FT-IR spectrum of GO and rGO showed the same peak of O-H stretching of the hydroxyl and C=C stretching of aromatic rings as well as C-O stretching. The thermal stability of pristine PET and rGO/PET composite masterbatch was characterized by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal degradation temperature of PET and rGO/PET nanocomposite masterbatch was found at 413.9 °C and 418.1 °C, respectively. The mechanical properties of rGO/PET nanocomposite fibers were investigated and it was found that the mechanical properties were improved in all aspects comparing with neat PET fiber, including tensile strength, young's modulus and elongation at break.
Early Identification of Delirium in Intensive Care Unit Patients: Improving the Quality of Care
Authors: Spiegelberg Jessica , Song Huaxin , Pun Brenda , Webb Paula , Boehm Leanne M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Delirium has long-term consequences for intensive care unit patients. The project site, an urban academic hospital, did not previously use a validated delirium screening tool, and patients commonly received sedative medications to treat agitation.

Objective

To minimize the risk of delirium by implementing the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) as the standard-of-care delirium assessment tool in the intensive care unit and by decreasing use of high-risk medications (ie, opioids and benzodiazepines).

Methods

An observational pretest-posttest design was used to analyze deidentified patient data from electronic health records. The evidence-based practice intervention focused on educating nurses on high-risk medications and CAM-ICU implementation. Control charts, χ2 tests, and mixed regression models were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing delirium risk by decreasing use of high-risk medications.

Results

High-risk medication use significantly decreased after intervention among patients at low risk for delirium (before intervention, 7.37%; after intervention, 3.92%; P < .001) and at high risk for delirium (before intervention, 4.73%; after intervention, 2.99%; P < .001). Hospital stays were significantly shorter in patients at low risk than at high risk for delirium (P < .001) but increased by a mean of 0.13 days with each additional high-risk medication used (P < .001).

Conclusions

The variation of high-risk medication use was significantly controlled with the implementation of CAM-ICU and education. Nurses felt that hands-on training with the CAM-ICU increased their comfort in identifying patients at risk for delirium. Future work will focus on assessment accuracy.
When and how ruling out cystic fibrosis in adult patients with bronchiectasis
Authors: Gramegna Andrea , Aliberti Stefano , Seia Manuela , Porcaro Luigi , Bianchi Vera , Castellani Carlo , Melotti Paola , Sorio Claudio , Consalvo Enza , Franceschi Elisa , Amati Francesco , Contarini Martina , Gaffuri Michele , Roncoroni Luca , Vigone Barbara , Bellofiore Angela , Del Monaco Cesare , Oriano Martina , Terranova Leonardo , Patria Maria Francesca , Marchisio Paola , Assael Baroukh M. , Blasi Francesco
Published: May 2020

Background: Bronchiectasis is the final result of different processes and most of the guidelines advocate for a careful evaluation of those etiologies which might be treated or might change patients’ management, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Main body: CFTR mutations have been reported with higher frequency in bronchiectasis population. Although ruling out CF is considered as a main step for etiological screening in bronchiectasis, CF testing lacks of a standardized approach both from a research and clinical point of view. In this review a list of most widely used tests in CF is provided. Conclusions: Exclusion of CF is imperative for patients with bronchiectasis and CFTR testing should be implemented in usual screening for investigating bronchiectasis etiology. Physicians taking care of bronchiectasis patients should be aware of CFTR testing and its limitations in the adult population. Further studies on CFTR expression in human lung and translational research might elucidate the possible role of CFTR in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis.
Get together to increase awareness in bronchiectasis: a report of the 2nd World Bronchiectasis Conference
Authors: Aliberti Stefano , Chalmers James D.
Published: May 2020

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease character- ized by a permanent dilation of the bronchi associated with cough, daily sputum production and recurrent episodes of respiratory infections. Bronchiectasis pathophysiology starts with a structural airway damage leading to an impaired mucociliary clearance, subsequent chronic bacterial infection and neutrophilic inflammation, which perpetuates this vicious cycle. For a long period of time, bronchiectasis has been recognized as an isolated radiological finding, while now we understand it as chronic and debilitating disease which requires specific management to improve patients’ outcomes.
Bronchiectasis in PCD looks different to CF on CT scan
Authors: Robinson Philip , Morgan Lucy
Published: May 2020

Background: The contemporary diagnosis of bronchiectasis requires CT scanning to describe specific structural lung changes. Scoring systems have been designed and validated in some specific causes of bronchiectasis to allow investigators to correlate CT changes with other indices of disease severity, to describe changes over time, with exacerbation and in response to treatment. Several scoring systems have been developed for CF including the Bhalla Score, Brody score, and the Helbich score. These scoring systems have also been applied to other causes of bronchiectasis including Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). This assumes that the nature of structural lung disease in these conditions, as well as the rate and nature of longitudinal changes are identical to, or at least very similar to, those found in CF. This assumption has not been tested. The underlying pathophysiology of PCD is not the same as CF and may cause bronchiectasis that is radiologically similar but not necessarily the same as CF or any other cause of bronchiectasis. The development of a disease specific scoring system for structural change in cases of non-CF bronchiectasis due to any cause, would require consideration of the full range of changes seen in that condition without reference to changes seen in other conditions. We present a summary of structural findings that have been described in PCD and highlight the radiological differences between PCD and other causes of bronchiectasis. We suggest that a PCD specific CT scoring system is required to properly describe changes seen in PCD.
Understanding the impact of antibiotic therapies on the respiratory tract resistome: a novel pooled-template metagenomic sequencing strategy
Authors: Taylor Steven L. , Leong Lex E.X. , Mobegi Fredrick M. , Choo Jocelyn M. , Burr Lucy D. , Wesselingh Steve , Rogers Geraint B.
Published: May 2020

Determining the effects of antimicrobial therapies on airway microbiology at a population-level is essential. Such analysis allows, for example, surveillance of antibiotic-induced changes in pathogen prevalence, the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, and the transmission of multi-resistant organisms. However, current analytical strategies for understanding these processes are limited. Culture- and PCR-based assays for specific microbes require the a priori selection of targets, while antibiotic sensitivity testing typically provides no insight into either the molecular basis of resistance, or the carriage of resistance determinants by the wider commensal microbiota. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing provides an alternative approach that allows the microbial composition of clinical samples to be described in detail, including the prevalence of resistance genes and virulence traits. While highly informative, the application of metagenomics to large patient cohorts can be prohibitively expensive. Using sputum samples from a randomised placebo-controlled trial of erythromycin in adults with bronchiectasis, we describe a novel, cost-effective strategy for screening patient cohorts for changes in resistance gene prevalence. By combining metagenomic screening of pooled DNA extracts with validatory quantitative PCR-based analysis of candidate markers in individual samples, we identify population-level changes in the relative abundance of specific macrolide resistance genes. This approach has the potential to provide an important adjunct to current analytical strategies, particularly within the context of antimicrobial clinical trials.
The Proceedings of the 16th Italian Convention of Investigators in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Authors Various
Published: May 2020

Verona, Italy. 22-24 November 2018Every year, the Italian Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation (FFC) brings together all its funded researchers from across Italy and beyond, in a Convention where results from FFC projects are shared and debated. These projects are either newly funded, on-going or recently concluded research. The Proceedings of the 16th Convention of Italian Investigators in Cystic Fibrosis is a supplement of Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine reporting results of completed projects which were presented at the FFC 2018 Convention.
A new textbook for saphenous vein sparing surgery: CHIVA strategy permits to achieve the goal also using modern endovascular technology
Authors: Chi Yung-Wei
Published: May 2020

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Blood flow in venules: A mathematical model including valves inertia
Authors: Cardini Matteo , Farina Angiolo , Fasano Antonio , Caggiati Alberto
Published: May 2020

It is well known that venules equipped with valves play a critical role in regulating blood flow. Essentially they are peristaltic pumps that increase the efficiency of venous blood return to the heart, thanks to the presence of valves preventing backflow. Inspired by two recent papers, we have modeled the venule as a vessel with valves placed at its ends and walls animated by radial oscillations that are independent of heart pulsation and respiratory rhythm. Differently from the previous papers, the present model takes into account the valves inertia allowing, for progressive closing/opening stages. The numerical simulations produce a pressure pulse and a velocity profile which agree almost perfectly with the experimental data of Dongaonkar et al., eliminating the discrepancies found in Farina et al., arising from the hypothesis that valves act instantaneously.
An inguinal hernia or a greater saphenous vein aneurysm? A case report
Authors: Yılmaz Seyhan , Zengin Sabür , Gürgen Fatma , Kızıltan Feryaz
Published: May 2020

Superficial venous aneurysms, which are mostly asymptomatic and detected when patients were referred to for the treatment or evaluation of a femoral or inguinal hernia or soft tissue masses, are associated with a risk of developing pulmonary embolism. We aimed to present a case of a greater saphenous vein aneurysm of which its misdiagnosis possesses morbidity risk and confused with inguinal hernia. A 45- year-old female patient admitted to our clinic with swelling and pain in her right groin that had been present for about three years. The patient was also treated with inguinal hernia repair once due to her related complaints. A venous color doppler ultrasound was performed for differential diagnosis and a 70x31-mm sized fusiform proximal greater saphenous vein aneurysm and a grade-4 pathologic reflux in the right saphenofemoral junction was observed in the ultrasonographic examination. As a result, the swelling detected in the inguinal region should be evaluated in terms of possible superficial venous aneurysm, which may cause thromboembolism and ruptures, and this condition, which is frequently confused with inguinal hernia, should be taken into consideration and taken under operation as soon as possible in case of its presence.
Hyper-simplified cerebrovascular model: high sensitivity of venous pulsatility vs venous resistance
Authors: Baselli Giuseppe , Arrigoni Piergiorgio , Boles Matteo , Mikhaeil Emanuele , Tawadrous Fabio , Laganà Maria Marcella
Published: May 2020

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Fluid dynamics of venous flow in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tucker Trevor
Published: May 2020

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The intra and extra cranial veins in relationship with chronic migraine
Authors: Toma Ginevra , Onorati Paolo , Bellagamba Giovanni , Vernetti Prot Mario , Lupattelli Tommaso
Published: May 2020

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Cortical activation following chronic transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with minimally conscious state: a NIRS-based assessment associated to behavioral and plastic response
Authors: Lamberti Nicola , Straudi Sofia , Bonsangue Valentina , Montis Andrea , Lavezzi Susanna , Bernardi Francesco , Marchetti Giovanna , Ziliotto Nicole , Tisato Veronica , Secchiero Paola , Manfredini Fabio , Basaglia Nino
Published: May 2020

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Infected Gore® Viabhan® endoprosthesis with carotid-cutaneous fistula: A rare complication after endovascular procedure on the carotid artery
Authors: Catanese Vincenzo , Caddia Giorgio , Martelli Eugenio
Published: May 2020

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Microembolic events during carotid stenting and surgery
Authors: Di Girolamo Alessia , Maruca Debora , Picone Veronica , Gossetti Camilla , Giglio Alessandra , Gossetti Bruno
Published: May 2020

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Neurofluids: A holistic approach to their physiology, interactive dynamics and clinical implications for neurological diseases
Authors: Agarwal Nivedita , Contarino Christian , Toro Eleuterio F.
Published: May 2020

There is increasing interest in understanding the physiology of the extracellular fluid compartments in the central nervous system and their dynamic interaction. Such interest has been in part prompted by a vigorous resurgence of the role of the venous system, the recent discoveries of the meningeal lymphatics, the brain waste removal mechanisms and their potential link to neurological diseases, such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Ménière’s disease, migraine, small vessel disease, and most neurodegenerative diseases. The rigid cranial cavity houses several space-competing material compartments: the brain parenchyma (BP) and four extracellular fluids, namely arterial, venous, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF). During cardiac pulsations, the harmonious, temporal and spatial dynamic interaction of all these fluid compartments and the BP assures a constant intracranial volume at all times, consistent with the Monro-Kellie hypothesis. The dynamic interaction involves high-pressure input of arterial blood during systole and efflux of CSF into the spinal subarachnoid space (SSAS) followed by venous blood exiting directly into the vertebral and internal jugular veins towards the heart and intraventricular CSF displacing caudally towards the SSAS. Arterial pulsatile energy is transmitted to the BP that contributes to the smooth movement of fluids in and out of the brain. Perturbing any of these fluid compartments will alter the entire brain dynamics, potentially increase intracranial pressure, affect perfusion and hamper clearance capacity of metabolic waste. This review of all major extracellular fluid compartments within the brain, advocates a holistic approach to our understanding of the fluid dynamics, rather than focusing on a single compartment when analyzing neurological diseases. This approach may contribute to advance our comprehension of some common neurological disorders, paving the way to newer treatment options.
Supermixed labyrinth fractals
Authors: Cristea Ligia L. , Leobacher Gunther
Published: May 2020

Labyrinth fractals are dendrites in the unit square. They were introduced and studied in the last decade first in the self-similar case [3, 4], then in the mixed case [5, 6]. Supermixed fractals constitute a significant generalisation of mixed labyrinth fractals: each step of the iterative construction is done according to not just one labyrinth pattern, but possibly to several different patterns. In this paper we introduce and study supermixed labyrinth fractals and the corresponding prefractals, called supermixed labyrinth sets, with focus on the aspects that were previously studied for the self-similar and mixed case: topological properties and properties of the arcs between points in the fractal. The facts and formulæ found here extend results proven in the above mentioned cases. One of the main results is a sufficient condition for infinite length of arcs in mixed labyrinth fractals.