bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Authentic Leaders Creating Healthy Work Environments for Nursing Practice
Authors: Shirey Maria R.
Published: November 2019

Implementation of authentic leadership can affect not only the nursing workforce and the profession but the healthcare delivery system and society as a whole. Creating a healthy work environment for nursing practice is crucial to maintain an adequate nursing workforce; the stressful nature of the profession often leads to burnout, disability, and high absenteeism and ultimately contributes to the escalating shortage of nurses. Leaders play a pivotal role in retention of nurses by shaping the healthcare practice environment to produce quality outcomes for staff nurses and patients. Few guidelines are available, however, for creating and sustaining the critical elements of a healthy work environment.

In 2005, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses released a landmark publication specifying 6 standards (skilled communication, true collaboration, effective decision making, appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, and authentic leadership) necessary to establish and sustain healthy work environments in healthcare. Authentic leadership was described as the “glue” needed to hold together a healthy work environment. Now, the roles and relationships of authentic leaders in the healthy work environment are clarified as follows: An expanded definition of authentic leadership and its attributes (eg, genuineness, trustworthiness, reliability, compassion, and believability) is presented. Mechanisms by which authentic leaders can create healthy work environments for practice (eg, engaging employees in the work environment to promote positive behaviors) are described. A practical guide on how to become an authentic leader is advanced. A research agenda to advance the study of authentic leadership in nursing practice through collaboration between nursing and business is proposed.
VP/NTG therapy in the patient with variceal bleeding
Authors: Burns SM , Martin MJ
Published: November 2019

VP has long been used in patients with acute variceal bleeding. While NTG has generally only been added to offset the serious side effects of VP, it potentiates the hemodynamic effects of VP in the portal bed. It is imperative that the critical care nurse understand the combination use of VP and NTG so that intelligent assessment, care planning, and evaluation can occur.
Current trends in mechanical ventilation
Authors: Richless CI
Published: November 2019

It is increasingly evident that there is little data available to compare the use of various modes of mechanical ventilation or to assess their application. It is difficult to compare the new modes of mechanical ventilation with the conventional modes because of a similar lack of clinical data. The challenge for future research in the area of ventilator technology is to generate controlled clinical studies to support its application. With the increased impact of financial constraints on healthcare, research will also need to examine the economic issues related to the application of newer modes of mechanical ventilation. The critical care nurse will be faced with the continued challenge of being knowledgeable regarding the current trends in ventilatory support and their potential advantages and disadvantages, while keeping in perspective those areas where clinical research is lacking. Possibilities for future nursing research related to mechanical ventilation are endless. The application and refinement of assessment parameters to evaluate the impact of nursing interventions on mechanically ventilated patients should be a key focus. The growing use of SVO2 monitoring in conjunction with other assessment parameters may prove to be useful tools to measure the impact of interventions such as suctioning, positioning, muscle reconditioning, weaning techniques, and comfort measures on mechanically ventilated patients.
Toxic shock syndrome and its potential complications
Authors: Broscious SK
Published: November 2019

Toxic shock syndrome is a potentially lethal disease since the infective process established in the body can lead to multisystem involvement. The critical care nurse's understanding of this pathologic process and its potential complications will help in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
Discharge planning for the head-injured patient
Authors: Frederick C , Hotter AN
Published: November 2019

While the ultimate goal of discharge planning is discharge from the hospital, many steps come between admission and discharge of the head-injured patient. This article outlines those steps.
Combining insights into reproduction and gear selectivity to enhance management advice for Encrasicholina heteroloba (Engraulidae) in the west coast of Sri Lanka
Authors: Navarathne N. M. P. S. , Dissanayake D. C. T.
Published: November 2019

Encrasicholina heteroloba belonging to the family Engraulidae is a commercially important fish species in the small-scale artisanal fisheries in Sri Lanka. Fishery, reproductive biology and gillnet selectivity pattern of E. heteroloba were assessed using the data collected from the Negombo fish landing site on the west coast of Sri Lanka from January to December 2015 in order to provide baseline information such as catch rate, total production, reproductive seasonality, size at first sexual maturity (L50) and gear selectivity pattern of this data poor fishery. E. heteroloba are mainly exploited using drift gillnets of 1.1 cm, 1.2 cm and 1.8 cm stretched mesh sizes. Females spawn throughout the year reporting a peak spawning in July. The sizes at first sexual maturity of E. heteroloba male and female are 7.40 cm and 7.45 cm, respectively. The gillnet selectivity study revealed that the optimum length (Lopt) and selection range of E. heteroloba varied with mesh sizes and estimated Lopt for 1.0 cm, 1.2 cm and 1.8 cm mesh sizes were 5.6 cm, 6.4 cm and 9.2 cm, respectively. We suggest to promote use of 1.8 cm mesh gill nets as a higher percentages of immature individuals are landed when smaller mesh (<1.2 cm) gill nets are used. The findings of this study will be useful to manage E. heteroloba stocks on the west coast of Sri Lanka.
Impact of anticholinergic burden on cognitive impairment, disability and malnutrition: a cross-sectional study among hospitalized older patients
Authors: Nastri Mariapaola , Bartoli Giulio , De Colle Paolo
Published: November 2019

The anticholinergic burden (ACB) is known to be associated with the worsening of functional and cognitive status. This study aims at demonstrating a correlation between the ACB and the malnutrition, given the widespread effect on the digestive tract of anticholinergic medications. From 2012 to 2018, 2843 patients were recruited among the new admissions to our Geriatric Unit. For each patient the activities of daily living (ADL), the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), the mini mental state examination (MMSE), the cumulative illness rating scale (CIRS), the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) and the ACB of medications were evaluated. The correlations between the ACB and the ADL (P<0.001), the IADL (P<0.001), the MMSE (P<0.001) scores were confirmed, and a significant correlation was also found between the ACB and the MNA (P<0.001) score. The CIRS and the ACB scores resulted to be independent predictors of all outcomes considered, in a linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity and number of prescribed drugs. Therefore, ACB seems to have by itself an impact on physical and cognitive functions and on nutritional status.
Pediatric brainstem gliomas: An institutional experience
Authors: Laghari Altaf , Baig Mirza , Bari Ehsan , Darbar Aneela , Mushtaq Naureen , Hani Abdullah Umm , Khan Daniyal
Published: November 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical profiles and outcomes of pediatric brainstem gliomas treated at our institute. Methodology: We reviewed the files of 18 pediatric age group patients diagnosed with brainstem glioma at our institution. The following variables were recorded: age, sex, duration of symptoms, date of diagnosis, main clinical symptoms, Karnofsky performance status score, magnetic resonance imaging findings, histopathology findings, details of the treatment given, disease progression, and date of mortality/last follow-up. This data were then transferred to SPSS version 23 which was used for further analysis. Results: The mean age of our cohort was 8.6 years (range 3–15). There were 11 (61.1%) males and 7 (38.9%) females. There were 16 (88.9%) patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs), 1 (5.6%) patients with exophytic medullary gliomas, and 1 (5.6%) patient with midbrain/tectal glioma. Mean overall survival (OS) was 9.7 months. Mean progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.3 months. All patients with DIPG eventually passed away from their disease. Patients with DIPG who received radiotherapy had a longer OS and PFS than those who did not (9.8 and 6 months vs. 3.4 and 2.4 months). Diagnostic latency >1 month was found to have a statistically significant longer progression-free interval. Conclusion: DIPGs in the pediatric population have a poor prognosis. Radiotherapy serves to increase survival time but is not curative.
The usefulness of straight chemotherapy for dermal exposed anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma with intracranial invasion
Authors: Abe Hiroyuki , Nakamura Taishi , Yoshitomi Masahiro , Enaka Makiko , Tateishi Kensuke , Shiba Norio , Yamanaka Shoji , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: November 2019

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is characterized as extranodal lymphoma and usually chemosensitive disease with overall survival rate of 70%–90%. Prognosis is roughly distinguished by the existence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion in tumor cells with higher frequencies observed in the pediatric population, and the outcome of ALK fusion-positive ALCL is relatively good when appropriate treatment is completed. Here, we report a case of dermal-exposed ALK fusion-positive ALCL with intracranial invasion. The patient received straight chemotherapy (ALCL99 protocol) without any plastic or resection surgery. The dermal dehiscence was rapidly healed with controllable local infection, and the tumor was regressed without relapse. Therefore, straight chemotherapy has clinical relevance and is a useful treatment strategy for ALK fusion-positive ALCL with dermal dehiscence.
Histopathological profile of brain tumors: A 12-year retrospective study from Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mohammed Albasri , Hamdan Almuhamdi , Homoud Alqaidi
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The objective of this study is to characterize the histopathological types and basic demographic parameters of brain tumors in the Madinah region of Saudi Arabia and to analyze and compare the findings with previously published literature. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, King Fahad Hospital, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and comprised cases of brain tumors during 12 years (from January 2006 to December 2017). Basic demographic data, tumor site, and histopathological patterns were obtained from the medical records and further analyzed and graded according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 classification. Results: A total of 227 brain tumors in 122 (53.7%) males and 105 (46.3%) female patients were recorded. Pediatric and adult patients accounted for 10.6% and 89.4% of the cases, respectively. The predominant age group affected was between 40 and 49 years (23.5%). The most common histopathological diagnosis in the present study was meningioma (30.8%), followed by astrocytic tumors (29.1%), metastatic tumors (7.7%), and embryonal tumors (6.6%). The meningothelial meningioma was the most common type of meningioma (48.5%). The majority of astrocytic tumors (52%) fell under the WHO Grade IV. Conclusion: This retrospective study established a baseline profile of brain tumors based primarily on the histopathological experience at a tertiary care hospital in the Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and provides an initiating platform to workup for future population targeted studies on brain tumors.
Value of brain computed tomographic angiography to predict post thrombectomy final infarct size and clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Apirakkan Mungkorn , Vuthiwong Withawat , Kobkitsuksakul Chai , Keandoungchun Jesada , Chanthanaphak Ekachat
Published: November 2019

Aims: This study aims to analyze the predictor in preoperative brain computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for final infarct and outcome in postendovascular thrombectomy patient. Subjects and Methods: 52 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) comparison between preoperative noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) and 24-h NCCT as well as preoperative CTA source image (CTA-SI) and 24-h NCCT were performed. Factors associated with increased ASPECTS and clinical outcome were evaluated. Results: Preoperative NCCT ASPECTS = 24-h NCCT in 23%. Whereas, 46% showed preoperative CTA-SI ASPECTS = 24-h NCCT. Moreover, 40.4% showed 24-h NCCT ASPECTS > preoperative CTA-SI (increased ASPECTS). The two significant factors associated with increased ASPECTS are thrombolysis in cerebral infarct score 2b/3 (P = 0.02) and good collateral status (P = 0.02). Finally, good clinical outcome was associated with age <60 (P = 0.04), preoperative CTA-SI ASPECTS >5 (P = 0.01), good collaterals status (P = 0.02), and increased ASPECTS (P = 0.05). Conclusions: Preoperative brain CTA provided the necessary factors that are associated with good clinical outcomes, which are CTA-SI ASPECTS > 5, good collateral status, and increased ASPECTS.
Medullary hemorrhage caused by foramen magnum dural arteriovenous fistula successfully obliterated using combination of endovascular and surgical treatments: A case report and literature review
Authors: Iampreechakul Prasert , Liengudom Anusak , Lertbutsayanukul Punjama , Wattanasen Yodkhwan , Siriwimonmas Somkiet
Published: November 2019

The authors describe an extremely rare case of foramen magnum dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), Cognard type V, presented with medullary hemorrhage caused by venous varix on the lateral medullary draining vein embedded into the medulla oblongata. Following mild myelopathy for 3 days, a 20-year-old male developed dyspnea, generalized seizures, loss of consciousness, and finally cardiac arrest. After successful resuscitation, computed tomography scan (CT) of the brain was obtained and showed acute medullary hemorrhage. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed diffuse venous congestion or edema of the medulla with multiple dilated flow voids surrounding the medulla, more prominent on the left side, with venous varix embedded into the left-sided of the lower medulla. He was sent to the emergency department of the local hospital and intubated promptly. A few minutes later, the patient had a cardiac arrest. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated DAVF of the foramen magnum supplied mainly by dural branches of bilateral hypertrophic posterior inferior cerebellar arteries (PICAs), slightly by the posterior meningeal branch of the left vertebral artery, and the jugular branch of the left ascending pharyngeal artery (APA) originating from the occipital artery. Transarterial embolization through the bilateral dural branches of the PICAs was successfully performed using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA), resulting in complete obliteration. The patient had excellence recovery and lost to annual follow-up. Seven years later, he had a recurrent of the fistula presented with occipital headache. DSA with angiographic CT in three-dimensional reconstruction and maximum intensity projection reformatted images clearly demonstrated the exact location of the DAVFs at the posterior rim of the foramen magnum, mainly recruited by the hypertrophic jugular branch of the APA originating from the occipital artery. The fistula was successfully treated surgically following transarterial embolization through the jugular branch of the APA using NBCA. Follow-up DSA confirmed complete obliteration of the DAVF. The patient has remained clinically asymptomatic 2 years after the operation.
Experimental evaluation of stent clot retrieval using the confront clot scrambling method with an equitable automatic withdrawal machine
Authors: Kawaguchi Reo , Ohshima Tomotaka , Nagano Yoshitaka , Miyachi Shigeru , Matsuo Naoki , Takayasu Masakazu
Published: November 2019

Background: Stent clot retrievers can be used to perform mechanical thrombectomies to treat cases of acute major arterial occlusion. This approach is associated with faster recanalization and better outcomes than internal treatments. The function of the stent retrievers is based on a technique known as confront clot scrambling method (CCSM), which usually involves the insertion of two stent retrievers (one from each side) and the simultaneous withdrawal of the retrievers with an equal force. It was determined that a stent used to remove the sham clot possessed a stronger ability for clot retrieval. However, this method involves inherent manipulation bias, and the results may vary due to operator-specific factors. Thus, this approach can be difficult to teach, especially to beginners. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the accuracy of using an equitable automatic withdrawal machine for the CCSM on a model of a sham clot in the middle of a polyvinyl chloride tube. Results: This tool is expected to facilitate thorough and repeated training that is needed to learn the fine maneuvers against invisible vessels associated with actual endovascular clot retrieval, particularly for beginners.
Measuring Spatial and Temporal Market Structure in a Transportation Sector: For-hire Grain Trucking on the Alberta-Saskatchewan Border in Canada
Authors: Laing Andrew , Nolan James
Published: November 2019

While the trucking industry across North America is now fully de-regulated, truck markets and movements are diverse enough that the level of competition in truck transportation almost certainly varies across space, commodities, and even time. Most studies of market power in transportation do not measure or account for spatial or temporal variation in levels of competition, and in addition, it is not clear to what degree such variation affects shippers. For example, there is anecdotal evidence that trucking of certain commodities in Western Canada is characterized by considerable market power that only manifests at certain times of the year. In this light, we examine both spatial aspects as well as the dynamics of rates in the medium-to-long-haul grain trucking sector in West-Central Alberta and East-Central Saskatchewan on the Canadian prairies. We attempt to characterize market power over both space and time within this regional trucking sector. This is done using a unique and detailed data set of trucking rates charged to shippers (farmers) for grain transportation to a common destination (Lloydminster, AB) from the numerous dispersed farms in the region. To frame the unique spatial aspects of this issue, we begin by using geographic information systems (GIS) software to build freight rate contours for this trucking market through space. A set of suppositions regarding the possible shape of these contours as they relate to transportation market structure is also developed. Subsequently, a subset of the data is used to conduct an econometric estimation of short-run freight rate dynamics. These latter estimates reveal evidence of less than competitive transportation markets through time and space. Ultimately, we find that market power in trucking is not persistent within this market, but we do observe uncompetitive pricing behavior at certain times of the year. Given that trucking is deregulated, the latter finding is somewhat unexpected. We suspect that this set of conditions very likely affects trucking rates across more markets and regions than the one examined here.
The Economic Impact of Increased Congestion for Freight-Dependent Businesses in Washington State
Authors: Taylor Justin , Casavant Ken , Sage Jeremy , Moore Danna L. , Ivanov Barb
Published: November 2019

Congestion in the transportation system necessitates select businesses to operate on a less efficient production function. A survey of freight-dependent businesses in Washington State was used to calculate the costs of congestion and economic impact of increased congestion. As these businesses spend more to provide goods, responses suggest consumers would pay 60% to 80% of the increased cost. Primary areas of increased cost were identified as additional trucking and inventory costs. Results identify an additional $8.7 billion in consumer costs for a 20% congestion increase. The economic impact is a loss of $3.3 billion in total output and over 27,000 jobs.
Road Supply in Central London: Addition of an Ignored Social Cost
Authors: Rouhani Omid M. , Knittel Christopher R. , Niemeier Debbie
Published: November 2019

Studies examining the social cost of driving usually ignore the opportunity cost of having roads in place: the associated land rents. Especially for geographic regions where land is valuable, including the rent costs may even lead governments to close some roads. By using the London congestion charging zone case, a more general long-run social cost curve is calculated with the addition of the rents. Based on the optimal road usage concept, this study found that including the rents in the cost/benefit analysis significantly affects the results and can increase the social cost by up to 200% and decrease the optimal road usage by 40%.
Forecast of CO2 Emissions From the U.S. Transportation Sector: Estimation From a Double Exponential Smoothing Model
Authors: Choi Jaesung , Roberts David C. , Lee Eunsu
Published: November 2019

This study examines whether the decreasing trend in U.S. CO2 emissions from the transportation sector since the end of the 2000s will be shown across all states in the nation for 2012‒2021. A double exponential smoothing model is used to forecast CO2 emissions for the transportation sector in the 50 states and the U.S., and its findings are supported by the validity test of pseudo out-of-sample forecasts. We conclude that the decreasing trend in transportation CO2 emissions in the U.S. will continue in most states in the future.
Measuring Performance at a Large Metropolitan Area: The Case of the DC (District of Columbia) Metroplex
Authors: Diana Tony
Published: November 2019

Hierarchical linear models improve the measurement of performance when applied to a construct such as a metroplex. It compares the outcomes of a hierarchical linear model with those of a multiple regression model to evaluate whether meteorological conditions at individual airports and overall would explain variations in block delays. The study used the cases of the three largest airports in the DC Metroplex and concluded airborne delays had a significant random effect on block delays in spite of meteorological conditions at each airport. It pointed out that surface operations efficiency played a significant role in explaining variations in block delays.
Optimizing Strategic Allocation of Vehicles for One-Way Car-sharing Systems Under Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Fan Wei (David)
Published: November 2019

Car-sharing offers an environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and economically feasible mobility form in which a fleet of shared-use vehicles in a number of locations can be accessed and used by many people on as-needed basis at an hourly or mileage rate. To ensure its sustainability, car-sharing operators must be able to effectively manage dynamic and uncertain demands, and make the best decisions on strategic vehicle allocation and operational vehicle reallocation both in time and space to improve their profits while keeping costs under control. This paper develops a stochastic optimization method to optimize strategic allocation of vehicles for one-way car-sharing systems under demand uncertainty. A multi-stage stochastic linear programming model is developed and solved for use in the context of car-sharing. A seven-stage experimental network study is conducted. Numerical results and computational insights are discussed.
Contributing Circumstances Impact on Missouri Teenage Driver Crash Fatalities
Authors: Bernard Jill M. , Sweeney Donald C.
Published: November 2019

Missouri data from 2002-2011 are used to analyze the major circumstances that increase the risk of fatality in crashes involving teenage drivers, given a motor vehicle crash occurs. The frequencies of contributing circumstances among teenage and older drivers are compared and a multinomial logistic regression model is used to predict the probability of crash severity under different circumstances. For crashes involving teenage drivers, it is found that driving too fast for conditions, speeding, inattention, and driving on the wrong side are the most frequent circumstances cited in fatal crashes, and are major factors that increase the likelihood of a fatality occurring.
Equity Evaluation of Sustainable Mileage-Based User Fee Scenarios
Authors: Burris Mark , Lee Sunghoon , Geiselbrecht Tina , Baker Richard , Weatherford Brian
Published: November 2019

This paper examined equity changes from the imposition of a mileage-based user fee (MBUF) based on how revenue is collected as well as how it is spent. Using the 2009 National Household Travel Survey along with detailed transportation spending estimates, four scenarios were examined. A scenario where an MBUF is combined with a federal tax and includes a greater focus on maintenance spending was the most geographically equitable. Researchers also found that considering funding disbursement when examining the effect of a shift to an MBUF may change the equity of a funding option as compared to only examining revenue source.
Horizontal Cooperation in Network Expansion: An Empirical Evaluation of Gas Transportation Networks
Authors: Ishfaq Rafay , Clark Mark , Raja Uzma
Published: November 2019

This research presents a coordination approach for the expansion of gas transportation networks to serve an increasing customer base. An empirical study of natural gas markets in the southeastern United States shows that horizontal cooperation among transportation service providers (i.e., pipeline companies) allows for expanding the gas transportation networks efficiently to serve new customers. The benefits of coordination are identified through key structural elements such as number and location of additional pipeline links, lower infrastructure expansion costs, and demand segmentation for the gas transportation service providers.
Safety and Economic Assessment of Converting Two-Way Stop-Controlled Intersections to Roundabouts on High Speed Rural Highways
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Khattak Aemal J. , Thompson Eric C.
Published: November 2019

This research addressed two questions: “Are roundabouts on rural high-speed roadways safer than two-way stop controlled (TWSC) intersections?” and “What economic benefits can be expected from converting TWSC intersections to roundabouts in terms of safety improvement?” Crash and traffic data on four TWSC intersections that were converted to roundabouts in Kansas were analyzed using the empirical Bayes before-after evaluation method and crash costs were applied to evaluate economic benefits. Analysis showed that fatal, non-fatal, and property-damage-only crashes were reduced by 100%, 76.47%, and 35.49%, respectively. The annual monetary value from this reduction was between $1.0—$1.6 million in 2014 dollars.
Analyzing Severity of Vehicle Crashes at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings: Multinomial Logit Modeling
Authors: Fan Wei (David) , Kane Martin R. , Haile Elias
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this paper is to develop a nominal response multinomial logit model (MNLM) to identify factors that are important in making an injury severity difference and to explore the impact of such explanatory variables on three different severity levels of vehicle-related crashes at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs) in the United States. Vehicle-rail and pedestrian-rail crash data on USDOT highway-rail crossing inventory and public crossing sites from 2005 to 2012 are used in this study. A multinomial logit model is developed using SAS PROC LOGISTICS procedure and marginal effects are also calculated. The MNLM results indicate that when rail equipment with high speed struck a vehicle, the chance of a fatality resulting increased. The study also reveals that vehicle pick-up trucks, concrete, and rubber surfaces were more likely to be involved in more severe crashes. On the other hand, truck-trailer vehicles in snow and foggy weather conditions, development area types (residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional), and higher daily traffic volumes were more likely to be involved in less severe crashes. Educating and equipping drivers with good driving habits and short-term law enforcement actions, can potentially minimize the chance of severe vehicle crashes at HRGCs.
Assessing the Effect of Compressed Work Week Strategy on Transportation Network Performance Measures
Authors: Duddu Venkata R. , Pulugurtha Srinivas S.
Published: November 2019

The focus of this paper is on evaluating and assessing the effect of a compressed work week strategy (say, not working a day each week) on transportation network performance measures such as link-level traffic speed, travel time, and volume-to-capacity ratio using data gathered for the Charlotte metropolitan area, North Carolina. The results obtained indicate that reducing 15% to 20% of work commute during the morning peak hours using compressed work week strategy would increase traffic speeds by up to 5 mph on at least 64% of center-lane miles (sum of the length of the center line of all lanes of traffic for each selected link). It would also decrease the travel time by up to two minutes on at least 61% of center-lane miles.
Severity of Pedestrian Crashes at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
Authors: Khattak Aemal , Tung Li-Wei
Published: November 2019

The objective of this research was to quantify the impacts of various factors on three different severity levels of pedestrian injuries sustained in crashes reported at highway-rail grade crossings. This research utilized the 2007-2010 crash and crossing inventory data. The three crash severity levels of pedestrians’ injuries were: no injury, injury, and fatality.Data analysis showed that pedestrian fatalities were associated with higher train speeds and with female pedestrians. Highway-rail grade crossings with a greater number of crossing lanes and those equipped with standard flashing light signals were associated with a lower likelihood of pedestrian fatalities.
Sustaining Sustainability in Marine Terminals: A Strategic Framework
Authors: Mittal Neha , Baveja Alok , Krishnan Ramji
Published: November 2019

Sustainability initiatives in maritime industry, despite their global need and relevance, are often riddled with strategic and implementation issues. Here we examine “green” initiatives of top-five global marine terminal operators. We classify their initiatives as technology-centric, process-centric and relationship-centric, and develop a core-competency-driven framework for these initiatives. Our findings indicate that technological initiatives are easy to adopt and yield quicker impact in reducing emissions and increasing ROI. On the other hand, process-centric and relationship-centric initiatives are more difficult to deploy, take longer to yield benefits, but are difficult to imitate. We argue that terminal operators should recognize the value of long-term initiatives that are difficult to replicate, to build competency.
Comparative Evaluation of Technologies and Data Sources to Capture Travel Time at Section-Level on Urban Streets
Authors: Pulugurtha Srinivas S. , Pinnamaneni Rahul C. , Duddu Venkata R. , Reza R.M. Zahid
Published: November 2019

This paper focuses on capturing section-level (a signalized intersection to the next) travel times on urban street segments using Bluetooth detectors as well as from INRIX data source and comparing it with manual and Global Positioning System (GPS) floating test car methods (test car with a trained technician and GPS unit to capture travel time between selected points) for each travel time run. Results obtained indicate that section-level travel time data captured using Bluetooth detectors on urban street segments are less accurate and not dependable when compared with GPS unit and INRIX. The role of various on-network characteristics on the percentage difference in travel time from GPS unit, INRIX, and Bluetooth detectors was also examined.
Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) and Forecasting Future Traffic Needs: Lessons from Selected North Carolina Case Studies
Authors: Pulugurtha Srinivas S. , Mora Rakesh
Published: November 2019

The focus of this paper is to conduct an evaluation of selected traffic impact analysis (TIA) case studies, review current practice, and recommend procedures that could be adapted to better forecast and plan future traffic needs. Lessons from the evaluations indicate that considering regional traffic growth rate, peak hour factor (PHF), heavy vehicle percentage, and other off-site developments would yield relatively better TIA forecasts. Incomplete development with vacant parcels was observed at several case sites, possibly due to the state of the economy. Therefore, conducting analysis assuming multiple “build out” years (say, three and five years based on the magnitude of the development) as complete build out years would help state and local transportation agencies plan and better allocate resources based on the need.
Portrayal of Mental Illness: Characterization in Ian McEwan’s Short Stories (‘Homemade’, ‘Solid Geometry’, ‘Butterflies’)
Authors: Yanovska Anastasiia
Published: November 2019

The article aims to examine the portrayal of mental illness in three character-narrators of the selected Ian McEwan short stories from his collection ‘First Love, Last Rites’. By taking the psychiatric diagnostic criteria as the methodical basis for the analysis, this article traces how and to what extent do characters’ actions, words and behavior correspond to the symptoms ascribed to one of the mental illnesses in question. Thus, the article explores how through the ways of direct and indirect characterization Ian McEwan creates complex images of the characters that suffer from mental illness and closely examines how such a complicated topic is reflected in the three short stories that were chosen for the analysis. Furthermore, through close reading the article attempts to show the intricate design of the characters and the stories in general, that in complex create a powerful and detailed image, and provide an angle for viewing the influence of mental illness on one’s life.
Multiple Views of the Glimmerglass in the Coopers’ Otsego Lake Writings
Authors: Zhong Jing-Dong
Published: November 2019

Focusing on Otsego Lake, named as the Glimmerglass, this paper attempts to offer a further insight into the mode of perceiving and imagining the lake scenery. To get a full picture, the case studies include both fictional and non-fictional works, concerning three generations’ male and female perspectives from James Fenimore Cooper, his father and his eldest daughter. The specific study adopts a method of being “descriptive and phonomenological” (Hodder, 2001, p. 23). By citing and juxtaposing relative writings, it tries to relive the multiple views of the Glimmerglass and examine particularly the person’s immediate responses to the lake, which might demonstrate the decisive transformation of his or her consciousness. The study finds that although multiple views of a lake are involved in perceiving and imagining its scenery, which combine to make a full picture and bring in rich experiences, the close-up views preferred in The Deerslayer can denote more immediate responses to the lakesape, and accordingly with more engagement and even immersion in the environment an encounter of a lake might become an insider, who, with a “sympathy for mystic states” (Hodder, 2001, p. 21) might regain a sense of homecoming or dwelling.
Analysis of Caryl Churchill’s Feminism Deconstruction on Top Girls
Authors: Yang Dan
Published: November 2019

This study, based on identity and selfhood in postmodernism, probed into feminism deconstruction, which would help to interpret the postmodernism narrative trends in contemporary English plays. With the purpose to make sarcasms on “top girls”, she deconstructed feminism through four aspects: feminine characters disrespected other feminine characters, feminine characters gave up feminine and motherhood identities, feminine characters’ success in different times and spaces embodied their sufferings, and the play without male characters was full of male’s impacts everywhere. By means of deconstructing feminism, she made sarcasm on top girls and blamed the power systems in the current society.
Explicit Teaching and Incidental Learning of Vocabulary: Where Is the Pendulum Swinging to?
Authors: Al-Homoud Faisal
Published: November 2019

The research at hand compared two conditions of L2 vocabulary exposures, i.e. incidental exposure and a mixture of incidental and explicit exposures to words. Forty-five female participants, majoring in English at Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn-Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia participated in this research. They were divided into two groups: Reading Only (RO) and Reading Extra (RE). In the RO group, the target words were exposed only through a reading passage that they read twice, while the same target words for the RE group were inserted in the same reading passage, then explained directly by the teacher. Three levels of vocabulary knowledge (form recall, meaning recall, and meaning recognition) were assessed. The results showed that both conditions cater for vocabulary learning, however the RE group had significantly outperformed their RO counterparts. Moreover, the results showed that vocabulary learning in this study followed the general tendency starting from a receptive level to a productive level.
The Impact of Family Governance on the Sustainability and Continuity of Family Businesses in Botswana
Authors: Tadu Ruramayi , Chiguvi Douglas
Published: November 2019

Academic discussion on corporate governance and its related issues are clearly visible in any country with active capital markets. This suggests that good governance is a crucial factor for ensuring economic development. Of concern is the lack of continuity after the first generation of ownership and control. However, few studies can be found relating to smaller family businesses. With the aim of contributing to this knowledge gap, this study aimed at identifying the impact of family governance on the sustainability and continuity of family businesses in Botswana. A sample of 144 family-owned businesses based in Gaborone and Francistown participated in the study. Pearson r correlation was used to measure the relationship between the variables of the study. The results showed that there is a weak positive relationship between family governance and the sustainability and continuity of family businesses in Botswana. It was recommended that mechanisms must be put in place in order to enlighten the benefits of having Board of Directors and to implement effective governance structures and systems to sustain the businesses in the market beyond generations.
Adult Level of Physical Activity in Urban (Abobo, Cocody) and Rural (Yocoboué) Area in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Ahouéfa Nina Laurette , Yepié Audrey Herbert , Diagou Jean Jacques , Anin-Atchibri Louise
Published: November 2019

The physical activity (PA) plays an important role in the fight against the chronic noncommunicable diseases.The objective of this study was to assess the level of physical activity in an adult population in rural and urban area in Côte d'Ivoire. To achieve this goal, a group of 1046 participants was submitted to the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The data analysis was done according to the GPAQ guidelines. The prevalence of the recommended level of the physical activity during the work, the leisure and the displacement was calculated.This assessment has showed that the intense Physical Activity (PA) decreased with age, from 34% (19-29 years) to 14% (50-60 years).Then the results have showed that the workers had the highest intensity Physical Activity Level (NAP) at 70%, versus 13% for the office workers.Moreover, more the Level of Study (LS) was higher, more the physical activity practiced decreased, whatever the area of living. Finally, it has been shown that men were more active than women. Also, the level of physical activity was higher in rural than in urban areas, and the limited physical activity level was present in the adult population. This work has shown that the level of physical activity and the contexts of practice vary according to the socio-demographic characteristics. At that fact, targeted interventions to promote the physical activity are necessary.
Katedra právní teorie a sto let brněnské právní teorie
Authors: Večeřa Miloš
Published: November 2019

Weyrova brněnská škola právní teorie zanechala v právní teorii a právní vědě nesmazatelnou stopu. Při rekonstituování katedry právní teorie po pádu socialismu poskytla tradice brněnské právní školy vedle nových myšlenek i entuziasmus budování nové teorie práva a právní vědy. Prováděné polistopadové změny se týkaly personálního obsazení katedry, studijních plánů, náplně vyučovaných předmětů, zavádění nových předmětů a zpracování nových studijních pomůcek. Odideologizování právní vědy umožnilo rozvoj vědecké a výzkumné činnosti. Tradice brněnské právní školy je pro katedru právní teorie zavazující výzvou.
Mezi občanským a soukromým právem. Systematické pojetí výuky na Katedře občanského práva Právnické fakulty Masarykovy univerzity
Authors: Hurdík Jan
Published: November 2019

Článek nabízí shrnující pohled „zevnitř“ na historii systémového pojetí a vzájemných systémových vazeb občanského a soukromého právo a na jejich odraz ve struktuře katedry občanského práva a v systémovém přístupu k výuce občanského práva od znovuobnovení právnické fakulty v roce 1969 do současnosti, včetně výhledů do budoucna.
Ohlédnutí za 50letým vývojem oboru „správní právo“ a katedry správní vědy a správního práva
Authors: Průcha Petr
Published: November 2019

Příspěvek poskytuje pohled jeho autora na 50letý vývoj oboru „správní právo“ a Katedry správní vědy a správního práva na Právnické fakultě Masarykovy univerzity. Postupně v několika návazných časových etapách tohoto vývoje poukazuje na personální obsazení katedry, zaměření výuky, vědecko-výzkumnou činnost i celkový rozvoj oboru. Příspěvek se opírá o známé či doložitelné faktografické údaje, přesto je však převážně osobním pohledem a výpovědí autora o připomínaných skutečnostech.
The Era of Therapeutic Biosimilars Has Arrived: What You Need to Know
Authors: Zelenetz Andrew D.
Published: November 2019

Although complex, biologic agents are key components of modern therapy in multiple disciplines, particularly oncology. However, despite the fact that biosimilars (eg, filgrastim‐sndz, bevacizumab‐awwb, trastuzumab‐dkst, rituximab-abbs) have been approved in the United States, many clinicians are poorly informed about their unique pathway for approval. At the NCCN 2019 Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies, Dr. Andrew D. Zelenetz, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, outlined important issues regarding the use of biosimilars, including extrapolation, interchangeability, and naming.
Ruptured Neonatal Subgaleal Haemorrhage: Challenges of Management from a Resource Limited Setting
Authors: Bello Mustapha , Nasir Abdulrasheed , Abubakar Awwal , Baba Usman Ahmadu , Pius Simon , Aliyu Talba
Published: November 2019

Despite advances in obstetric and neonatal care, subgaleal haemorrhage continues to create significant challenges to health personnel, especially in poor human resource/ facility settings, where a specialist may not always be readily available, thereby contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken to highlight the different methods of presentation of subgaleal haemorrhage and the need for early identification and management to improve the outcomes. A confirmed case of ruptured subgaleal haemorrhage was documented over a 12-month periods where no mortality was recorded. The high index of suspicion is the key to early diagnosis. Identification of risk factors, early diagnosis, and prompt and aggressive treatment of hypovolemia will reduce morbidity and mortality.
Reminder Systems for Improving Adherence among HIV-infected Adolescents Attending a Tertiary Facility in Abuja
Authors: Eloho Ekop Eno , Adeline Okechukwu Adaora
Published: November 2019

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is a key factor in the successful treatment of people living with HIV infection. Use of reminder system has been shown to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy. This study was conducted to identify the reminder systems used by the HIV-infected adolescents in our health facility and determine the relationships with adherence using self-report and pill count.

Study Design: This was a cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study:  The study was done at Paediatric Special Treatment Clinic of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. The data collection was over a six month period, September 2015 to February, 2016.

Methodology: This was a face-to-face interviewer administered pretested questionnaire-based study. Adherence was measured using three-day recall self report and pill count, with convenience sampling method employed.

Results: One-hundred and forty-five adolescents aged 10 years to 19 years participated in the study, 80(55.2%) were males, 78(53.8%)%) were between the ages of 10-13 years, 111(76.6%) were Christians, 91(62.7%) had secondary level of education, and 61(42.1%) were from the middle socio-economic class. The most common reminder systems used were the alarm devices 43(29.7%), timers 34(23.4%) and parents 39(26.9%). Twenty-two (15.2%) participants did not use any form of reminders for their self-care. Use of reminder systems had a statistically significant relationship with gender (P= .031), social class (P = .003) and self-report (P = <0.001).

Conclusion: The alarm system was mostly used by adolescents for their medication adherence and was associated with gender, social class and self-reporting.  It is hoped that interventional studies will be carried out on the use of types of electronic reminder devices to ARV medications with the aim of its integration into the routine care of HIV-infected adolescents in Nigeria.