bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance sampling for online planning under uncertainty
Authors: Luo Yuanfu , Bai Haoyu , Hsu David , Lee Wee Sun
Published: June 2018

The partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) provides a principled general framework for robot planning under uncertainty. Leveraging the idea of Monte Carlo sampling, recent POMDP planning algorithms have scaled up to various challenging robotic tasks, including, real-time online planning for autonomous vehicles. To further improve online planning performance, this paper presents IS-DESPOT, which introduces importance sampling to DESPOT, a state-of-the-art sampling-based POMDP algorithm for planning under uncertainty. Importance sampling improves DESPOT’s performance when there are critical, but rare events, which are difficult to sample. We prove that IS-DESPOT retains the theoretical guarantee of DESPOT. We demonstrate empirically that importance sampling significantly improves the performance of online POMDP planning for suitable tasks. We also present a general method for learning the importance sampling distribution.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances antibiotic release of gentamicin-loaded, self-setting calcium phosphate cement
Authors: Shi Mingmin , Chen Lei , Wang Yangxin , Yan Shigui
Published: June 2018

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on antibiotic release from gentamicin-loaded, self-setting calcium phosphate cement.

Methods

A gentamicin-loaded calcium phosphate cement cylinder was eluted in stimulated body fluid. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (46.5 kHz, 200 mW/cm2) was used to produce a sinusoidal wave in the experimental group. Non-gentamicin calcium phosphate cement was used in the control group.

Results

The transient concentration and cumulatively released percentage of gentamicin in the ultrasound group were higher than those in control group at every time point. The duration of gentamicin concentrations over the level of the minimum inhibitory concentration was significantly prolonged in the ultrasound group compared with the control group. Antibacterial efﬁcacy of gentamicin in the ultrasound group was significantly better than that in the control group with the same concentration of gentamicin.

Conclusion

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances antibiotic release, providing sustained antibiotic release at high concentrations. This increases the antibacterial effect of gentamicin.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Canine Pituitary Adenomas Obtained by Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy
Authors: Miller Margaret A. , Owen Tina Jo , Bruyette David S. , Scott-Moncrieff J. Catharine , Ramos-Vara José A. , Weng Hsin-Yi , Chen Annie V. , Martin Linda G. , DuSold Deidre M.
Published: June 2018

Hypophysectomy specimens from 16 dogs with pituitary adenoma were evaluated with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), reticulin, and immunohistochemistry for adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), growth hormone (GH), and Ki-67. The reticulin network was obliterated in all adenomas. One adenoma expressed ACTH and GH. Eight corticotroph adenomas were basophilic to chromophobic, and PAS- and ACTH-positive. Seven melanotroph adenomas were distinguished from corticotroph adenomas by expression of MSH. Pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism was diagnosed in 5 of 8 dogs with corticotroph and 4 of 7 with melanotroph adenoma. Pituitary height/brain area (P/B) ratio was elevated in all dogs. Previous canine hypophysectomy studies suggested that melanotroph adenomas were larger and carried a worse prognosis than corticotroph adenomas; however, in this study, corticotroph adenomas in comparison to melanotroph adenomas were larger (median P/B ratio: 1.06 versus 0.76), more proliferative (median Ki-67 index: 9.47% versus 1.99%), and associated with shorter survival (median: 300 versus 793 days). Recommended immunohistochemistry for PAS-positive pituitary adenomas includes ACTH and MSH to distinguish corticotrophs from melanotrophs and Ki-67 for proliferation index.
Family Support Groups for Family Members of Mentally Ill Offenders: Family Expectations and Experiences
Authors: Rowaert Sara , Audenaert Kurt , Lemmens Gilbert , Vandevelde Stijn
Published: June 2018

Family Support Groups (FSGs) are developed for family members of mentally ill offenders. This study investigates family treatment expectations and experiences of an FSG. Family members were interviewed before ( n = 20) and after ( n = 17) attending an FSG. Results show that family members hesitated or were curious about the FSG, expected to receive peer support and universality of problems, to receive information and advice and thought about the safety and respect of the group. Family members experienced the treatment as helpful because it was supportive, they gained new insights and they felt relieved and satisfied. Many family members see the guidance of the therapists and the differences in family and gender roles as an added value of attending an FSG. However, considering the limitations of the study, future studies should gain insight in and stress the importance of the meaning of therapeutic processes for family members confronted with different psychiatric disorders and/or situations.
Reducing Thermal Reflections for Infrared Thermography Applications on Tunnel Liners with Reflective Finishes
Authors: Meng Dewei , Lin Shibin , Azari Hoda
Published: June 2018

Infrared thermography (IRT) has been employed as a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method to detect delaminations in bridge decks by ASTM standards since 2003. Compared to other NDE methods, IRT is fast in data acquisition and processing. In addition to applications on bridge decks, IRT can be employed to detect defects in other structures such as roadway pavements and tunnel liners. Recent IRT applications on tunnel liners with reflective finishes such as ceramic tiles show that the IRT results can be severely contaminated by infrared reflections of the vehicles and the illuminating systems in the tunnels. In this study, an algorithm is developed to mitigate the contamination caused by the thermal reflections in the IRT results. The reflection is reduced by combining thermal data from multiple thermographs. Perspective projection is employed to map thermal data to the same coordinates if the thermographs are taken with an infrared camera moving in the space. The algorithm is proved to be successful by the results from the lab experiments and field tests. The algorithm can work with IRT data collected by vehicle-mounted infrared cameras to achieve high-speed IRT for tunnel liners with reflective finishes.
Effects of the International Roughness Index and Rut Depth on Crash Rates
Authors: Mamlouk Michael , Vinayakamurthy Mounica , Underwood B. Shane , Kaloush Kamil E.
Published: June 2018

Pavement distresses directly affect ride quality, and indirectly contribute to driver distraction, vehicle operation, and accidents. In this study, analysis was performed on highways in the states of Arizona, North Carolina, and Maryland to investigate the relationship between accident rate and pavement ride quality (roughness) and rut depth. Two main types of data were collected: crash data from the accident records and International Roughness Index (IRI) and rut depth data from the pavement management system database in each state. Crash rates were calculated using the U.S. Department of Transportation method, which is the number of accidents per 100 million vehicle-miles of travel. Sigmoidal function regression analysis was performed to study the relationship between crash rate and both IRI and rut depth. In all cases, the crash rate did not show substantial increases until an IRI value of 210 inches/mile or a critical rut depth of 0.4 inches. When the IRI or rut depth increased above these values the crash rate increased. This is a key conclusion that provides empirically derived thresholds for IRI and rut depth to reducing the accident rate.
Assessment of Shear Connection through Composite Beam Modeling
Authors: Sjaarda Matthew , Walbridge Scott , West Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2018

Steel-concrete composite construction is used extensively in bridges across North America. The welded shear stud is the standard connector used today, but other connectors, such as the through-bolt connector, may have advantages for precast construction or applications where better fatigue resistance or deconstructability is desired. The standard method of assessing the performance of a shear connector is through the use of push tests. However, the load-slip curves that result from these tests do not accurately predict load-slip behavior at the shear interface of the beams and girders they are meant to simulate. In this paper, a model is presented that predicts composite beam behavior using elastic material properties and nonlinear shear connector load-slip curves. The finite element (FE) model features link connector elements between a steel beam and concrete slab that can be programmed to simulate different connector types. Although the model can be used with push test load-slip curves as inputs, it is shown that a much better prediction can be made using force-deformation data from experimental beam tests or FE analysis. Results are discussed for stud connectors and through-bolt connectors, and it is shown that while through-bolts allow more interfacial slip and overall deflection, material stresses and composite interaction are not affected as much as might be expected. The outcome of this work is a comparison tool which can be used to assess the viability of current and future shear connection alternatives with the goal of achieving an economical and structurally sound shear connector.
Exploration of the Evolution of Airport Ground Delay Programs
Authors: Ren Kexin (May) , Kim Amy M. , Kuhn Kenneth
Published: June 2018

This study introduces a novel method of merging disparate but complementary datasets and applying machine learning techniques to ground delay program (GDP) data. More specifically, it aims to characterize GDPs with respect to changing weather forecasts, GDP plan parameters, and operational performance. The analysis aims to gain insights into GDP usage patterns (implementation and revisions), with respect to these key dimensions. It also aims to gain insights into how GDP cancelations and revisions correlate with operational efficiency and predictability. The results could be used to help traffic managers and air carriers understand complex patterns in the evolution of GDPs, so that they might, for example, better anticipate or even plan a response to a change in weather conditions. The focus is on GDPs at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), from 2010 through 2014. A master dataset was generated by merging several datasets on GDPs, weather forecasts, and individual flight information. Several scenarios of GDP evolution were then identified by reducing the dimensionality of the master GDP dataset, then applying cluster analysis on the lower dimensional data. It was found that GDPs at EWR can be categorized into 10 types based on weather forecasts, realized weather, GDP scope, arrival rates, and duration. The characteristics of these 10 GDP clusters were further explored by examining the relationships between GDP scenarios and their performance. It was found that GDPs under stable, low-severity weather and with large scope may score higher on the efficiency metric than expected. When GDPs called in the same weather conditions have high program rates, medium durations, and narrow scopes, capacity utilization was higher than expected—less affected flights lead to fewer cancelations and more arrivals (albeit delayed), and therefore, higher capacity utilization. Results also suggest that program rates are set more conservatively than needed for some poor weather conditions that end earlier than expected. GDPs with fewer revisions were associated with a higher predictability score but lower efficiency score. These findings can provide greater insights and knowledge about GDPs for future planning purposes. More specifically, the findings could, for example, be used to support discussion around, or even future guidance regarding, how to set and adjust GDP program rates. In future work additional data could be utilized to provide a more comprehensive operational picture of GDPs, and a wider range of performance metrics could be considered. It is also recommended that the patterns of how GDPs evolve over their lifetimes be further explored using other machine learning techniques that may provide new and useful insights.
Modulating Glucose Metabolism and Lactate Synthesis in Injured Mouse Tendons: Treatment With Dichloroacetate, a Lactate Synthesis Inhibitor, Improves Tendon Healing
Authors: Zhang Kairui , Hast Michael W. , Izumi Soutarou , Usami Yu , Shetye Snehal , Akabudike Ngozi , Philp Nancy J. , Iwamoto Masahiro , Nissim Itzhak , Soslowsky Louis J. , Enomoto-Iwamoto Motomi
Published: June 2018

Background:

Tendon injuries are common problems among athletes. Complete recovery of the mechanical structure and function of ruptured tendons is challenging. It has been demonstrated that upregulation of glycolysis and lactate production occurs in wounds, inflammation sites, and cancerous tumors, and these metabolic changes also control growth and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells. Similar metabolic changes have been reported in human healing tendons. In addition, lactate production has increased in progenitors isolated from injured tendons after treatment with IL-1β. It is thought that the metabolic changes play a role in tendon healing after injury.

Hypothesis:

Glucose metabolism is altered during tendon injury and healing, and modulation of this altered metabolism improves tendon repair.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

The authors used the tendon injury model involving a complete incision of the Achilles tendon in C57BL/6J female mice and studied alterations of glucose metabolism in injured tendons with [U-13C]glucose and metabolomics analysis 1 and 4 weeks after surgery. They also examined the effects of dichloroacetate (DCA; an indirect lactate synthesis inhibitor) treatment on the recovery of structure and mechanical properties of injured tendons 4 weeks after surgery in the same mouse model.

Results:

Significant changes in glucose metabolism in tendons after injury surgery were detected. 13C enrichment of metabolites and intermediates, flux through glycolysis, and lactate synthesis, as well as tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, were acutely increased 1 week after injury. Increased glycolysis and lactate generation were also found 4 weeks after injury. DCA-treated injured tendons showed decreased cross-sectional area and higher values of modulus, maximum stress, and maximum force when compared with vehicle-treated injured tendons. Improved alignment of the collagen fibers was also observed in the DCA group. Furthermore, DCA treatment reduced mucoid accumulation and ectopic calcification in injured tendons.

Conclusion:

The findings indicate that injured tendons acutely increase glycolysis and lactate synthesis after injury and that the inhibition of lactate synthesis by DCA is beneficial for tendon healing.

Clinical Relevance:

Changing metabolism in injured tendons may be a therapeutic target for tendon repair.
Insurgencies as Networks of Event Orderings
Authors: Breiger Ronald L. , Smith Julia Grace
Published: June 2018

Progress in theorizing networks and events requires formulating a greater diversity of networks and, in particular, enabling network analysis to exploit relations between events and the attributes, actions, and variables that characterize them. We advance this line of inquiry in dialogue with a recent approach to the systematic study of violent conflicts among state actors and groups of people who refuse to accept their governments’ power. One productive way to analyze an insurgency is to view it as a network of sequenced events across stages (periods) of conflict. We explore this formulation, identify limitations, and present illustrative analysis demonstrating how new and useful insights can be obtained by combining our formal approach with one grounded in the comparative analysis of case studies.
How Group Events Can Shape Network Processes
Authors: Erikson Emily
Published: June 2018

Social network analysis has trouble distinguishing between group processes in which several people interact concurrently and sequentially unfolding dyadic interactions. This article suggests that there are substantial differences between these two types of interactions and that the concept of events can help distinguish between the two. Examples drawn from economic sociology and collective action demonstrate the different effects that may result from group events versus aggregated dyadic interactions.
A Capabilities Approach to Unequal Trajectories of Healthy Aging: The Importance of the Environment
Authors: Stephens Christine , Szabó Ágnes , Allen Joanne , Alpass Fiona
Published: June 2018

Objectives: We aimed to examine the relationships of older people’s standard of living and perceived quality of housing and neighborhoods, with different physical, mental, and social well-being trajectories over time. Method: Longitudinal data from 2,483 New Zealanders (55-70 years of age in 2006) surveyed biennially for 10 years were analyzed using latent profile growth analysis and MANOVA. Results: Five health trajectories were revealed: robust health, average good health, declining physical health, limitations in mental health and social well-being, or vulnerable health. Trajectory group membership was significantly related to economic standard of living, satisfaction with housing, quality of neighborhood, and social cohesion of neighborhood. Discussion: The findings support a focus on environmental resources to explain inequalities in health. Future research could focus on developing the basis of these associations. Policies to offset such inequalities would focus on social and physical environmental support for the maintenance of social, mental, and physical health in older age.
Submerged speleothem in Malta indicates tectonic stability throughout the Holocene
Authors: Furlani Stefano , Antonioli Fabrizio , Gambin Timmy , Biolchi Sara , Formosa Saviour , Lo Presti Valeria , Mantovani Matteo , Anzidei Marco , Calcagnile Lucio , Quarta Gianluca
Published: June 2018

Submerged caves represent potential archives of speleothems with continental and marine biogenic layers. In turn, these can be used to reconstruct relative sea-level changes. This study presents new data on the tectonic behaviour of the island of Malta during the Holocene. These data were obtained from a speleothem sampled, during an underwater survey, at a depth of −14.5 m, inside a recently discovered submerged cave. Since the cave was mainly formed in a subaerial karst environment, the presence of a speleothem with serpulids growing on its continental layers permitted the reconstruction of the chronology for drowning of the cave. The radiocarbon dates obtained from the penultimate and last continental layers of the speleothem, before a serpulid encrustation, were compared with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and global positioning system (GPS) data, together with published sedimentological and archaeological data. The radiocarbon analyses provided an average age of 7.6 ka BP that perfectly aligns with the Lambeck’s model of Holocene sea level. Morevoer, long-term data agree with published archeological and sedimentological data as well as with SAR interpherometric and GPS trends on a decadal scale. We conclude that the Maltese islands were tectonically stable during the Holocene, and this tectonic behaviour still persists nowadays. On the contrary, new informations on older deposits, such as MIS5e (Maritime Isotope Stage, corresponding to 125 ka ago) were not found in the study area, confirming the lack of older Quaternary marine deposits in these islands.
Radiative transfer modeling of atmospheric methane for satellite measurements in the 1.66 micron spectral window
Authors: Prasad Prabhunath , Rastogi Shantanu , Singh Raghavendra P
Published: June 2018

Atmospheric methane is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide and has significant impact on the atmosphere and climate. Continuous estimation and prediction of atmospheric CH4 concentrations is important for understanding the associated global climate change. To constrain suitable spectral window and detector resolutions for satellite instruments, spectral simulations have been performed considering tropical atmospheric conditions. The study is focused on the 1.66 micron spectral region having CH4 bands that are suitable for its detection and estimation. Both CH4 concentration and spectral resolution are varied to identify optimum spectral resolution limit. The R branch peak at 1.6456 µm is found to be the most sensitive and suitable for CH4 estimation. A concentration retrieval scheme is proposed and it is interpreted that the spectral resolution should not be worse than 0.2 nm.
Audience engagement with community music performances: Emotional contagion in audiences of a ‘pro-am’ orchestra in suburban Sydney
Authors: Garrido Sandra , Macritchie Jennifer
Published: June 2018

Research into audience engagement in the arts is a growing area of interest because of the need to build audiences and to provide convincing evidence of the value of arts programs to funding bodies. In addition, the way in which music works so as to touch the listener is of ongoing interest to music psychologists and is increasingly being considered in the context of live listening situations. This paper considers the phenomenon of emotional contagion, or the transference of emotion between audience members, and how this contributes to the audience experience. Audience members ( N = 105) were surveyed at three concerts by a ‘pro-am’ orchestra – an orchestra made up of both professionals and amateurs – about their response to the concerts and factors that influenced that response. It was found that emotional contagion can enhance the emotional response of audience members at concerts, and that this is mediated by the sense of social bonding participants have with other people present. Social bonding is also associated with attendance at enhancement events such as pre-concert talks.
Suicide in early China and the current West
Authors: Pridmore Saxby , Pridmore William
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

To characterize suicide in early China, as a means of extending knowledge of this behaviour.

Methods:

We examined Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and collated and considered relevant details.

Results:

In early China, loss of authority/status, loved ones and fortune were triggers for suicide. The expression of the intention to suicide, either by word or action, was observed and elicited a placating response. Less frequent, but nevertheless clearly recorded, were accounts of suicide completed to satisfy the wishes of others.

Conclusions:

The suicide and related behaviour of early China shares many features with late Western societies, but one form (to satisfy the wishes of others) is currently undetected.
Serious Illness and End-of-Life Quality for US Foster Children: A National Study
Authors: Lindley Lisa C. , Slayter Elspeth M.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Of the nearly 500 000 children in foster care, several hundred children die each year. Their quality of life at end of life is a matter of their foster care experience.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serious illness was associated with foster care placement outcomes.

Methods:

US foster care data from 2005 to 2015 were used. Children who were younger than 18 years with residence in the United States were included. Serious illness (ie, physical health, mental/behavioral health, developmental disabilities) was measured via the foster care files. Two foster care placement outcomes were created (ie, type of placement, placement instability). Using multinomial and logistic regressions, the influence of serious illness on placement outcomes was evaluated while controlling for demographic, geographic, prior trauma, and foster care support characteristics.

Results:

Fifty-seven percent of the children were placed with nonrelatives, 27% in group homes/institutions, and 17% with relatives. Twenty-eight percent experienced placement instability. Serious illness was significantly associated with nonrelative (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58-2.45) and group home/institution placement (RRR = 2.67; 95% CI = 2.09-3.40). Serious illness was not significantly related to placement instability. Children with serious illness were no more likely than their peers to experience multiple foster care placements.

Conclusions:

Foster care youth at end of life were more likely to be placed with nonrelatives or in group homes/institutions. They also did not experience the disruption and stress of being moved to multiple foster homes while seriously ill.
The Potential of Painting: Unlocking Disenfranchised Grief for People Living With Dementia
Authors: Wyatt Megan , Liggett Susan
Published: June 2018

As part of the Creative Well program at a local health board, one of the authors qualitatively investigated how painting can access a means of communication for people living with dementia. In a workshop setting within a gallery environment, participants living with dementia were facilitated on a one-to-one basis the opportunity to paint alongside the researcher. During the workshops, a number of experiences were articulated. These included experiences of illness, crisis, and loss. They were captured through observations, interviews, visual art, and video to contribute to new understandings and models of engagement through art for people living with dementia and their carers. Focusing on theory and practice in arts-based research and the social sciences, this article investigates the potential of painting to unlock experiences such as disenfranchised grief for people living with dementia. The conclusions of this article do not measure how and if participants felt disenfranchised grief but rather provide an alternative to augment the body of knowledge surrounding how people living with dementia can communicate feelings of disenfranchised grief through painting.
“My Story Came to Life!”: How Multimodality Can Inspire Revision in Writing
Authors: Batchelor Katherine
Published: June 2018

Revision has been studied mostly from a language centric viewpoint. It is an understudied topic and oftentimes viewed as an afterthought in classrooms rather than a central facet at the heart of quality writing. The focus of this article is on teaching revision via multimodality as a way to serve all students, especially gifted students. This article highlights 27 gifted students’ multimodal artifacts and discussions about the revision process in writing when paired with multimodality. The premise is that teaching revision using multiple modes of communication can lead to deeper, abstract thinking, where students can visualize their writing, thus leading to more revision choices. It is hoped that teachers can routinely use this strategy during writing instruction.
Effect of salt water exposure on foam-cored polyurethane sandwich composites
Authors: Huo Z , Mohamed M , Nicholas JR , Anandan S , Chandrashekhara K
Published: June 2018

This study investigated the effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical performance of polyurethane sandwich composites. The core material was a closed cell polyurethane foam. Face sheets were made of E-glass/polyurethane composite laminates. Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process was used to manufacture specimens for testing. The foam core, laminates, and sandwich composites were submerged in salt water for prolonged periods of time. Mechanical property degradation due to moisture absorption for each constituent was evaluated. Compression test was performed on the foam core samples. Laminates were evaluated by three-point bending tests. The interfacial bond strength in the sandwich structure was evaluated by double cantilever beam mode-I interfacial fracture test. The testing results revealed that the effect of salt water exposure on the compressive properties of the foam core is insignificant. The flexural modulus of polyurethane laminates degraded 8.9% and flexural strength degraded 13.0% after 166 days in 50% salinity salt water at 34°C conditioning. The interfacial fracture toughness of polyurethane sandwich composites degraded 22.4% after 166 days in 50% salinity salt water at 34°C conditioning.
First Things First: Teaching Data Journalism as a Core Skill
Authors: Burns Lynette Sheridan , Matthews Benjamin J.
Published: June 2018

When journalists publish work based on data, they often appear to be working with secondary sources, such as leaked internal corporate communications or information derived from publicly available Internet sources. However, they are relying on a source of information that varies greatly from other secondary sources. Among the differences is the process by which the data is verified, particularly given that datasets are often very large and unprocessed. How, for example, does a journalist determine the authenticity of data such as The Paradise Papers, the largest leak in history, where more than 13.4 million files revealed the workings of the tax haven industry? The issue of authenticity is further complicated by the processes journalists use to prepare data for delivery to a wide audience. In this article, the authors describe how the model of critical reflection (Sheridan Burns, 2002, 2013) can be used to develop data literacy in first year journalism students as the first step in developing their sense of efficacy in dealing with the complexities of data journalism. Using a scenario based on a large, easily accessible dataset, the authors provide a model through which students can come to understand working with data as a core journalism skill. The model draws on Schon’s (1983) theory of reflective practice, which posits that professionals think by doing and on what Schon calls ‘the conversations we have with ourselves’.
Cyberbullying in WhatsApp classmates’ groups: Evaluation of an intervention program implemented in Israeli elementary and middle schools
Authors: Aizenkot Dana , Kashy-Rosenbaum Gabriela
Published: June 2018

Social networking platforms, such as WhatsApp, constitute a major part of adolescents’ social lives. Alongside the positive aspects of such platforms, there is a risk of using them as a means for cyberbullying. Schools have become increasingly aware of this risk and are prioritizing fighting cyberbullying through intervention programs, yet few interventions have been studied for their effectiveness. This study reports the results of a wide-scale school-based intervention designed to reduce cyberbullying and improve usage norms in WhatsApp classmates’ groups. Data were collected from 52 classes in 12 public schools in Israel: n = 47 elementary school classes, 4th to 6th grades, and n = 5 middle school classes, 8th grade. A total of 1402 students answered questionnaires pre-intervention (51% females), while 90% of them ( n = 1268, 52% females) answered questionnaires 1 month post-intervention. Results indicated a significant decrease in WhatsApp cyberbullying and a significant improvement in classroom climate. In addition, improvement in WhatsApp usage norms was positively correlated with a decrease in WhatsApp cyberbullying.
The effects of social media usage on attention, motivation, and academic performance
Authors: Barton Bianca A , Adams Katharine S , Browne Blaine L , Arrastia-Chisholm Meagan C
Published: June 2018

Accessing social media is common and although concerns have been raised regarding the impact of social media on academic success, research in this area is sparse and inconsistent. Survey responses were collected from 659 undergraduate and graduate students to determine the relationship between social media usage and overall academic performance, as well as explore if this relationship is moderated by attention (regulation of time/study environment) and motivation (effort regulation). Both predictors, social media usage and attention, significantly predicted academic performance. Likewise, when motivation was considered as a predictor, it significantly predicted academic performance above and beyond social media usage. No moderation was found between the three variables. Implications of these relationships are discussed.
The Revised Role Checklist: Improved Utility, Feasibility, and Reliability
Authors: Scott Patricia J. , McKinney Kelsey G. , Perron Jeff M. , Ruff Emily G. , Smiley Jessica L.
Published: June 2018

The Role Checklist is used by occupational therapists across the globe. Developed in 1981 and consistent with the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), until recently, the Role Checklist was not updated. This is of concern as the Role Checklist originally was established to measure role performance. In 2008, Kielhofner, in the fourth edition of A Model of Human Occupation, differentiated occupational performance in 10 roles which clearly fall into occupational participation in the Role Checklist Version 3. The objective of the study was to describe changes and establish utility, feasibility, and reliability of the Role Checklist Version 3. The Role Checklist Version 3 was administered electronically to N = 114 occupational therapists and students. A short time span was used due to sensitivity to history bias. Test–retest reliability using Cohen’s Kappa and Cronbach’s alpha mirrored analysis done on the original version. Qualitatively, nine themes emerged regarding utility and feasibility. Test–retest reliability is acceptable to excellent for present role incumbency (κ = 0.74-1.00), desired future role engagement (κ = 0.44-1.00), and satisfaction with performance (α = 0.77-0.98). Participants (91%) found it useful for treatment planning and 75% would recommend Version 3 over the original Role Checklist. Data support the Role Checklist Version 3 as a reliable, electronic instrument feasible for occupational therapists to measure participation.
Quality of Life Among Black Prostate Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review
Authors: Dickey Sabrina L. , Ogunsanya Motolani E.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this integrative review was to explore the impact of prostate cancer (PCa) on the quality of life (QoL) and factors that contribute to the QoL for Black men with PCa. Prostate is recognized as the prevalent cancer among men in the United States. Compared to other men, Black men are diagnosed more frequently and with more advanced stages of PCa. Black men also experience disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality rates of PCa, among all racial and ethnic groups. The initial diagnosis of PCa is often associated with a barrage of concerns for one’s well-being including one’s QoL. As a result, men must contend with various psychosocial and physiological symptoms of PCa survivorship. Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method was utilized to examine empirical articles from the electronic databases of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, PubMed, Project Muse, and Google Scholar. The time frame for the literature was January 2005 to December 2016. A synthesis of the literature yielded 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the integrative review. A conceptual framework that examined QoL among cancer survivors identified four domains that measured the QoL among Black PCa survivors: (a) physical; (b) psychological; (c) social; and (d) spiritual well-being. Social well-being was the dominant factor among the studies in the review, followed by physical, psychological, and spiritual. Results indicate the need for additional studies that examine the factors impacting the QoL among Black PCa survivors, using a theoretical framework so as to develop culturally appropriate interventions for Black PCa survivors.
Spanish principals: Motives for accession and difficulties in enacting the role
Authors: García-Rodríguez M Pilar , Carmona José , Fernández-Serrat M Luisa , Teixidó-Saballs Joan
Published: June 2018

This work explores the relationships between principals’ motivations for entering the principalship and the difficulties they experienced during their first year as principals. Survey data were collected from a sample of 2042 Spanish principals. They answered a questionnaire assessing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, difficulties experienced when doing instructional, informational, and administrative tasks, and other personal and contextual characteristics. The scales developed to measure motivations and difficulties displayed adequate psychometric properties. The results showed the preponderance of intrinsic motivations. Administrative mundane tasks were perceived as the most difficult ones. We also found that non-administrative instructional tasks were more difficult for those principals who were more extrinsically motivated. Some gender differences were observed in motivations and difficulties. Women placed lower value on extrinsic motivations than men. Furthermore, while the difficulty of administrative tasks in their first year as principal was placed higher by women than men, those tasks that are more relationship-oriented (i.e. informative and instructional tasks) were rated as more difficult by men than women. Although internal incentives and administrative overload characterize most of the public Spanish principals, some findings pointed to the possibility of other profiles of principals that should be investigated in further studies. Implications for the design of principalship training are also discussed.
High prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome-type symptoms in microscopic colitis: implications for treatment
Authors: Kane John S. , Irvine Andrew J. , Derwa Yannick , Rotimi Olorunda , Ford Alexander C.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Patients with microscopic colitis (MC) often present with abdominal pain and diarrhoea, and previous data suggest that there may be overlap between MC and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We evaluated the prevalence of IBS-type symptoms in patients with MC, and assess the impact of these symptoms on psychological health and quality of life.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of individuals with a histological diagnosis of MC, collecting demographic data, Rome III IBS-type symptoms, and mood, somatization, and quality of life data.

Results:

In total, 151 (31.6%) of 478 individuals with a new diagnosis of MC completed questionnaires, 52 (34.4%) of whom reported IBS-type symptoms. The commonest histological subtype was collagenous colitis (51.7%, n = 78), followed by lymphocytic colitis (39.1%, n = 59). Individuals with IBS-type symptoms had significantly higher levels of anxiety [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety score 8.6 versus 5.1, p < 0.001], depression (HADS depression score 6.2 versus 3.6, p = 0.001), and somatoform-type behaviour (Patient Health Questionnaire 15 score 12.7 versus 8.0, p < 0.001) compared with individuals who did not. Those with IBS-type symptoms scored significantly worse across all domains of the 36-item Short Form questionnaire, except for physical functioning.

Conclusions:

More than one third of individuals with MC reported IBS-type symptoms, although whether this is due to ongoing inflammation is unclear. These individuals had higher levels of anxiety, depression, and somatization, and impaired quality of life. Identifying concomitant IBS in individuals with MC may have important implications for management decisions.
EUROVISCO Recommendations for Optimizing the Clinical Results of Viscosupplementation in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Conrozier Thierry , Monfort Jordi , Chevalier Xavier , Raman Raghu , Richette Pascal , Diraçoglù Demirhan , Bard Hervé , Baron Dominique , Jerosch Jörg , Migliore Alberto , Henrotin Yves
Published: June 2018

Objectives

The 3 aims of the work were to identify population subgroups that can benefit the most from viscosupplementation (VS), to provide recommendations on injection techniques, and to discuss VS appropriateness in clinical situations that are commonplace in daily practice.

Methods

The task force members voted on their degree of agreement on 27 statements, 36 recommendations, and 22 clinical scenarios using a 9-point scale. The strength of agreement/appropriateness/recommendation (SOA/SOR) was classified as strong if the median agreement score was ≥8. The level of consensus (LOC) was also obtained.

Results

Among the assumed predictors for VS failure, obesity, radiographic severity, large synovial fluid effusion, severe patellofemoral involvement, major malalignment, and gross joint instability received a large majority of agreements. The lateral mid-patellar approach was recommended for knee injection. Imaging guidance was unanimously recommended for hip and ankle. Agreement was achieved to strictly respect the dosing regimen proven by controlled trials. There was agreement for treating with VS patients with mild to moderate knee and hip OA, with normal weight or moderate overweight, insufficiently improved by first-line therapies, or who do not wish get oral treatment or who have contraindications to pain killers. The group considered the patient’s wishes as a key element in therapeutic decision making.

Conclusion

Based on literature data and clinical experience, the EUROVISCO group proposed a set of recommendations for optimizing the results of VS, aimed to help practitioners, especially in some cases in which the patients’ specificities make the therapeutic decision difficult.
A Robust Bias Against Interracial Couples Among White and Black Respondents, Relative to Multiracial Respondents
Authors: Skinner Allison L. , Rae James R.
Published: June 2018

Interracial couples are an understudied but increasingly common social group in the United States. We used direct and indirect measures to examine explicit and implicit biases (respectively) against interracial couples among samples of (a) predominantly White (non-Black; N = 1,217), (b) Black ( N = 293), and (c) multiracial ( N = 284) respondents recruited from the United States. Results provide evidence of implicit and explicit bias against Black–White interracial couples among respondents in the predominantly White sample and the Black sample. There was no evidence of such biases among self-identified multiracial respondents; in fact, they self-reported favoritism for interracial couples. Consistent with psychological theory and our preregistered hypotheses, we found that personal experience with interracial romance and self-reported contact with interracial couples tended to predict lower levels of bias against interracial couples. This research exposes a robust bias against a growing social group (interracial couples) among predominantly White respondents and Black respondents relative to respondents who identify as multiracial.
Acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma with hybrid features of hemosiderotic fibrolipomatous tumor occurring 10 years after renal transplantation
Authors: Hallin Magnus , Miki Yurina , Hayes Andrew J , Jones Robin L , Fisher Cyril , Thway Khin
Published: June 2018

Myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma is a rare malignant soft tissue neoplasm that typically arises on the distal extremities of adults. It usually behaves in a low-grade manner and its characteristic histology is of a lobulated proliferation of moderately atypical spindled to epithelioid cells, vacuolated cells, and enlarged or bizarre cells with prominent nucleoli, dispersed within myxoid stroma containing a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate. The etiology of myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma remains unknown with no definite causal factors identified. We describe a case of myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma arising in the foot of a 77-year-old female, which rapidly recurred locally after initial excision and which arose 10 years after renal transplantation. The neoplasm also showed intermingled areas of hemosiderotic fibrolipomatous tumor. The patient also had multifocal areas of squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the foot and hand, in keeping with the clinical context of immune deficiency. This is the second case of myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma reported to occur after transplantation, but additionally shows hybrid features of hemosiderotic fibrolipomatous tumor, highlights immunocompromise/immunosuppressive therapy as a possible etiologic factor in their development, and adds to the growing number of myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma that has demonstrated aggressive behavior.
Effect of a voice recognition system on pediatric outpatient medication errors at a tertiary healthcare facility in Kenya
Authors: Migowa Angela N. , Macharia William M. , Samia Pauline , Tole John , Keter Alfred K.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Medication-related errors account for one out of every 131 outpatient deaths, and one out of 854 inpatient deaths. The risk is threefold greater in the pediatric population. In sub-Saharan Africa, research on medication-related errors has been obscured by other health priorities and poor recognition of harm attributable to such errors. Our primary objective was to assess the effect of introduction of a voice recognition system (VRS) on the prevalence of medication errors. The secondary objective was to describe characteristics of observed medication errors and determine acceptability of VRS by clinical service providers.

Methods:

This was a before–after intervention study carried out in a Pediatric Accident and Emergency Department of a private not-for-profit tertiary referral hospital in Kenya.

Results:

A total of 1196 handwritten prescription records were examined in the pre-VRS phase and 501 in the VRS phase. In the pre-VRS phase, 74.3% of the prescriptions (889 of 1196) had identifiable errors compared with 65.7% in the VRS phase (329 of 501). More than half (58%) of participating clinical service providers expressed preference for VRS prescriptions compared with handwritten prescriptions.

Conclusions:

VRS reduces medication prescription errors with the greatest effect noted in reduction of incorrect medication dosages. More studies are needed to explore whether more training, user experience and software enhancement would minimize medication errors further. VRS technology is acceptable to physicians and pharmacists at a tertiary care hospital in Kenya.
A Sustainability Oriented and Mentored Approach to Implementing a Fall Prevention Guideline in Acute Care Over 2 Years
Authors: Ploeg Jenny , Ireland Sandra , Cziraki Karen , Northwood Melissa , Zecevic Aleksandra A. , Davies Barbara , Murray Mary Ann , Higuchi Kathryn
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a mentored guideline implementation (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario Prevention of Falls and Falls Injuries in the Older Adult Best Practice Guideline) focused on enhancing sustainability in reducing fall rates and number of serious falls and the experience of staff in three acute care hospitals. The National Health Service (NHS) Sustainability Model was used to guide the study. Interviews and focus groups were held with 82 point-of-care professional staff, support staff, volunteers, project leaders, clinical leaders, and senior leaders. Study results supported the importance of the factors in the NHS model for sustainability of the guideline in these practice settings. There were no statistically significant decreases in the overall fall rate and number of serious falls. The results supported strategies of participating hospitals to become senior friendly organizations and provided opportunities to enhance staff collaboration with patients and families.