bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binocular treatment in adult amblyopia is based on parvocellular or magnocellular pathway
Authors: Shuai Liu , Leilei Zou , Wen Wen , Shu Wang , Gangsheng Liu , Yinglong Li , Guoke Yang , Xinrong Chang , Hong Liu , Rongfeng Liao
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Amblyopia is speculated to be an untreatable disease in the patient, who is beyond the critical period of vision; however, currently, it is treatable in adults.

Purpose:

This study aimed to elucidate whether the treatment is useful in both anisometropic amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia. In addition, the differences were detected between anisometropic amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia after the same perceptual treatment and whether the suppression in anisometropic amblyopia or strabismic amblyopia could be decreased before and after the treatment.

Methods:

A binocular perceptual learning was applied for the treatment, the suppression was measured, and the patients were followed up for 2 months after training. Anisometropic amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia groups were subjected to the assessment of stereo, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and suppression before and after the training.

Results:

After 6 weeks of “Diploma Gabor Orientation Coherence” training, in the anisometropic amblyopia group, the outcomes of visual acuity (t = 3.114, p = 0.026) and contrast sensitivity (t = 7.786, p = 0.001) were increased significantly. While in the strabismic amblyopia group, the outcomes of stereo (t = 2.987, p = 0.040) and contrast sensitivity (t = 3.638, p = 0.022) were increased significantly.

Conclusion:

After Diploma Gabor Orientation Coherence training in the same frequency and in the same duration, the anisometropic amblyopia group got an improvement in visual acuity, but the strabismic amblyopia group got an improvement in stereo. As there are evidences to show that anisometropic amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia were injured in different pathways, we think the diverse results might come from the different pathway injury in anisometropic amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia.
A Commentary on Diversity Measures UniFrac in Very Small Sample Size
Authors: Roldán Ahumada Judith Agueda , Avendaño Garrido Martha Lorena
Published: April 2019

In phylogenetic, the diversity measures as UniFrac, weighted UniFrac, and normalized weighted UniFrac are used to estimate the closeness between two samples of genetic material sequences. These measures are widely used in microbiology to compare microbial communities. Furthermore, when the sample size is large enough, very good results have been obtained experimentally. However, some authors do not suggest using them when the sample size is very small. Recently, it has been mentioned that the weighted UniFrac measure can be seen as the Kantorovich-Rubinstein metric between the corresponding empirical distributions of samples of genetic material. Also, it is well known that the Kantorovich-Rubinstein metric complies the metric definition. However, one of the main reasons to establish it is that the sample size is large enough. The goal of this article is to prove that the diversity measures UniFrac are not metrics when the sample size is very small, which justifies why it must not be used in that case, but yes the Kantorovich-Rubinstein metric.
Serum Soluble ST2 and Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kercheva Maria , Ryabova Tamara , Gusakova Anna , Suslova Tatiana E , Ryabov Vyacheslav , Karpov Rostislav S
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To assess the dynamics of serum levels of soluble isoform of suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and their correlations with the development of adverse left ventricular remodeling (LVR) through 6 months in patients with primary myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI).

Methods:

Subjects were 31 patients with STEMI (median age: 58 years), who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the first 24 hours of the onset of myocardial infarction (MI). Blood samples and parameters of echocardiography were assessed at days 1, 3, 7, and 14 and 6 months after STEMI.

Results:

Serum levels of sST2 and NT-proBNP decreased during the 6-month period. Levels of sST2 decreased by 48% from admission to day 7, and levels of NT-proBNP decreased by 40% from day 7 to 6 months after STEMI. Serum levels of sST2 at day 1 ( r = 0.5, P < .05) and day 3 ( r = 0.4, P < .05) were associated with adverse LVR by 6 months after STEMI. Logistic regression analysis showed that a high concentration of sST2 at day 7 increased the risk of adverse LVR (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.9; areas under curve [AUC] = 0.8; P = .002), with 92% sensitivity and 70% specificity. A multivariate analysis model revealed that adverse LVR was associated with the level of sST2 ( P = .003) and with complete revascularization ( P = .01) at the admission.

Conclusions:

The dynamics of serum levels of sST2 and NT-proBNP were different. The level of sST2 normalized by the 7th day; NT-proBNP decreased only by the end of the 6-month period after MI. Increased serum levels of sST2 by the 7th day of MI were associated with the development of adverse LVR by the end of the 6-month period.
Considerations for Thyroidectomy as Treatment for Graves Disease
Authors: Smithson Mary , Asban Ammar , Miller Jason , Chen Herbert
Published: April 2019

Hyperthyroidism is a clinical state that results from abnormally elevated thyroid hormones. Thyroid gland affects many organ systems; therefore, patients usually present with multiple clinical manifestations that involve many organ systems such as the nervous, cardiovascular, muscular, and endocrine system as well as skin manifestations. Hyperthyroidism is most commonly caused by Graves disease, which is caused by autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TRAb). Other causes of hyperthyroidism include toxic multinodular goiter, toxic single adenoma, and thyroiditis. Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can be established by measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which will be suppressed with either elevated free T4 and/or T3 (overt hyperthyroidism) or normal free T3 and T4 (subclinical hyperthyroidism). Hyperthyroidism can be treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), radioactive iodine (RAI), or thyroidectomy. ATDs have a higher replacement rate when compared with RAI or thyroidectomy. Recent evidence has shown that thyroidectomy is a very effective, safe treatment modality for hyperthyroidism and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. This review article provides some of the most recent evidence on diagnosing and treating patients with hyperthyroidism.
The psychometric evaluation of a wind band performance rubric using the Multifaceted Rasch Partial Credit Measurement Model
Authors: Edwards Andrew S. , Edwards Kinsey E. , Wesolowski Brian C.
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable rubric to be used for the evaluation of large ensemble wind band performances. The guiding questions for this study were: (a) what are the psychometric qualities (i.e., reliability and validity) of the scale developed to assess wind band ensemble performance at the high school level? (b) how do the items fit the model and vary in difficulty? (c) how does the structure of the rating scale vary across individual items? and (d) how can the rating scale be transferred into an informative rubric? The primary data analysis tool used in this study was the Multifaceted Rasch Partial Credit Measurement Model. Music content experts ( N = 20) were solicited to evaluate 40 wind band performances, each evaluator listening to four. A 4-point Likert-type rating scale (e.g., Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree) was used to evaluate each recorded performance. Results indicated good model data fit and resulted in a final rubric containing 24 items ranging from two to four performance categories. Implications for classroom teaching and consequential validity are discussed.
Journal impact factor: A valid symbol of journal quality?
Authors: Law Rob , Leung Daniel
Published: April 2019

As the citation frequency of a journal is a representation of how many people have read and acknowledged their works, academia generally shares the notion that impact factor and citation data signify the quality and importance of a journal to the discipline. Although this notion is well-entrenched, is it reasonable to deduce that a journal is not of good quality due to its lower impact factor? Do journal impact factors truly symbolize the quality of a journal? What must be noted when we interpret journal impact factors? This commentary article discusses these questions and their answers thoroughly.
Shared and non-shared risk and protective factors of binge eating and binge drinking from adolescence to young adulthood
Authors: Simone Melissa , Scodes Jennifer , Mason Tyler , Loth Katie , Wall Melanie M , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to elucidate the shared and non-shared behavioral, sociocultural, and personal risk factors underlying binge eating and binge drinking among a sample ( n = 1764) of participants from Project EAT at baseline and 10-year follow-up. Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses revealed a range of risk factors associated with binge eating and binge drinking at 10 years, which varied by gender. The results revealed that risks associated with binge eating and binge drinking often differed, and thus full-scale dual preventive interventions for concurrent binge eating and binge drinking may be less effective. However, general prevention and intervention programs may emphasize shared risk factors.
The usability aspects of medication-related decision support systems in the inpatient setting: A systematic review
Authors: Knols Bram , Louws Mathijs , Hardenbol Alec , Dehmeshki Jamshid , Askari Marjan
Published: April 2019

Effort has been made to study the effect of medication-related clinical decision support systems in the inpatient setting; however, there is not much known about the usability of these systems. The goal of this study is to systematically review studies that focused on the usability aspects such as effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of these systems. We systematically searched relevant articles in Scopus, Embase, and PubMed from 1 January 2000 to 1 January 2016, and found 22 articles. Based on Van Welie’s usability model, we categorized usability aspects in terms of usage indicators and means. Our results showed that evidence was mainly found for effectiveness and efficiency. They showed positive results in the usage indicators errors and safety and performance speed. The means warnings and adaptability also had mostly positive results. To date, the effects satisfaction of clinical decision support system remains understudied. Aspects such as memorability, learnability, and consistency require more attention.
Pyrolysis and gasification of macroalgae Enteromorpha prolifera under a CO2 atmosphere using the thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique
Authors: Cao Junrui , Ma Yuhui
Published: April 2019

Non-isothermal pyrolysis and gasification of Enteromorpha prolifera (also known as Ulva prolifera) under a CO2 atmosphere were investigated by thermogravimetry analysis. The gaseous products were measured online with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with thermogravimetry. The kinetic parameters of pyrolysis and gasification reactions were obtained using the Coats–Redfern method. The experimental results showed that Enteromorpha prolifera had two derivative thermogravimetry peaks centered at 240 and 800°C, indicating the pyrolysis of organics and gasification of char, respectively. Carboxylic acids, ethers, and alcohols were the dominating condensable products generated from pyrolysis between 230 and 300°C. H2O, CH4, and aliphatic hydrocarbons were also formed in this temperature range, and they were also continuously released at higher temperatures, indicating further polymerization of the freshly generated pyrolytic char. CO was mainly produced between 700 and 900°C, and its yield was much higher than that of the pyrolytic gaseous products. The Ginstling equation (the D4 model) proved to be the most probable mechanism function for both the pyrolysis and gasification stages, with activation energies of 138.30 and 93.43 kJ mol−1, respectively.
Damage localization in geometrically complex aeronautic structures using canonical polyadic decomposition of Lamb wave difference signal tensors
Authors: Rébillat Marc , Mechbal Nazih
Published: April 2019

Monitoring in real time and autonomously the health state of aeronautic structures is referred to as structural health monitoring and is a process decomposed in four steps: damage detection, localization, classification, and quantification. In this work, the structures under study are aeronautic geometrically complex structures equipped with a bonded piezoelectric network. When interrogating such a structure, the resulting data lie along three dimensions (namely, the “actuator,”“sensor,” and “time” dimensions) and can thus be interpreted as three-way tensors. The fact that Lamb wave structural health monitoring–based data are naturally three-way tensors is here investigated for damage localization purpose. In this article, it is demonstrated that under classical assumptions regarding wave propagation, the canonical polyadic decomposition of rank 2 of the tensors build from the phase and amplitude of the difference signals between a healthy and damaged states provides direct access to the distances between the piezoelectric elements and damage. This property is used here to propose an original tensor-based damage localization algorithm. This algorithm is successfully validated on experimental data coming from a scale one part of an airplane nacelle (1.5 m in height for a semi circumference of 4 m) equipped with 30 piezoelectric elements and many stiffeners. Obtained results demonstrate that the tensor-based localization algorithm can locate a damage within this structure with an average precision of 10 cm and with a precision lower than 1 cm at best. In comparison with standard damage localization algorithms (delay-and-sum, reconstruction algorithm for probabilistic inspection of defects, and ellipse- or hyperbola-based algorithms), the proposed algorithm appears as more precise and robust on the investigated cases. Furthermore, it is important to notice that this algorithm only takes the raw signals as inputs and that no specific pre-processing steps or finely tuned external parameters are needed. This algorithm is thus very appealing as reliable and easy to settle damage localization timeliness with low false alarm rates are one of the key successes to shorten the gap between research and industrial deployment of structural health monitoring processes.
Regulating assisted reproduction: Discrimination and the right to privacy
Authors: Shaw Joshua
Published: April 2019

Advances in fertility medicine have led some ethicists to call for stricter regulations on assisted reproduction. One counterargument is that such restrictions are unfair, for they impose far more stringent limits on the procreative liberties of individuals who rely on assisted reproductive technology than on those who reproduce through unassisted coital reproduction. This paper argues that a morally relevant distinction can be drawn between these two cases—one that supports stricter regulations on assisted reproduction. The argument, roughly, is this: it is not possible to regulate unassisted reproduction more stringently without violating the right to privacy. However, it is possible to regulate assisted reproduction without violating it, and the moral benefits of doing so warrant stricter regulations. Two arguments are made for this claim. First, it is not possible to regulate procreative rights in cases of unassisted reproduction in isolation from other freedoms—freedoms protected by the right to privacy. However, it is possible to regulate procreative liberties in isolation from other rights in cases of assisted reproduction. Second, procreative rights do not appear in general to be positive rights that entitle their possessors to assistance from others, and hence they are not violated by sterner regulations on assisted reproduction. However, parallel regulations on unassisted reproduction would violate a right to noninterference that is almost certainly protected by the right to privacy.
The school in Gramsci and Freinet: proximities and distances to rethink educational policies
Authors: Martins Marcos Francisco , Fortunato Ivan
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a comparative analysis between the school perspectives of two European authors from the first half of the 20th century: Antonio Gramsci (1881–1937) and Célestin Freinet (1896–1966). Through bibliographical research, comparisons are made between them, taking as reference the theoretical and methodological foundations of each one and what is most fundamental when one is dealing with school: concepts of the human being, principles, purposes, content, method, and school structure. In the final notes, guidelines for educational policies inspired by both authors are presented. The conclusion is that if it is indeed possible to establish proximity between them, since they shared the same conception of the Marxist world, it also possible to view the distance between their methods, such as the role of the teacher in the school, and its syllabus, such as value of the classics.
Impact of race/ethnicity on insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridaemia
Authors: Raygor Viraj , Abbasi Fahim , Lazzeroni Laura C , Kim Sun , Ingelsson Erik , Reaven Gerald M , Knowles Joshua W
Published: April 2019

Objective:

Insulin sensitivity affects plasma triglyceride concentration and both differ by race/ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of the variation in insulin sensitivity and its relationship to hypertriglyceridaemia between five race/ethnic groups.

Research design and methods:

In this cross-sectional study, clinical data for 1025 healthy non-Hispanic White, Hispanic White, East Asian, South Asian and African American individuals were analysed. Insulin-mediated glucose disposal (a direct measure of peripheral insulin sensitivity) was measured using the modified insulin suppression test. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of co-variance.

Results:

Of the study participants, 63% were non-Hispanic White, 9% were Hispanic White, 11% were East Asian, 11% were South Asian and 6% were African American. Overall, non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans displayed greater insulin sensitivity than East Asians and South Asians. Triglyceride concentration was positively associated with insulin resistance in all groups, including African Americans. Nevertheless, for any given level of insulin sensitivity, African Americans had the lowest triglyceride concentrations.

Conclusion:

Insulin sensitivity, as assessed by a direct measure of insulin-mediated glucose disposal, and its relationship to triglyceride concentration vary across five race/ethnic groups. Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurate cardiovascular risk stratification and prevention.
Bariatric surgery as a model to explore the basis and consequences of the Reaven hypothesis: Small, dense low-density lipoprotein and interleukin-6
Authors: Adam Safwaan , Liu Yifen , Siahmansur Tarza , Ho Jan H , Dhage Shaishav S , Yadav Rahul , New John P , Donn Rachelle , Ammori Basil J , Syed Akheel A , Malik Rayaz A , Soran Handrean , Durrington Paul N
Published: April 2019

Background:

Reaven originally described the clustering of insulin resistance/hyperinsulinaemia, obesity (particularly visceral), altered cytokine levels, glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridaemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Subsequently, a potentially highly atherogenic small, dense low-density lipoprotein was also reported. We have studied the effect of bariatric surgery on this and other risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Methods:

Forty patients (20 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) undergoing bariatric surgery were studied before and 1 year after bariatric surgery.

Results:

Twelve months after bariatric surgery, median body mass index had decreased from 49.5 to 36.5 kg/m2, fasting insulin from 21.3 to 7.8 mU/L and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) from 5.9 to 1.8 (all p < 0.001). Thirteen out of 20 patients had remission from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, fasting triglycerides ( p < 0.001) and small, dense low-density lipoprotein ( p < 0.001) decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased ( p < 0.001) significantly, irrespective of having type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or being treated with statin therapy before surgery.

Conclusion:

The association between marked weight loss and change in insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia with the change in small, dense low-density lipoprotein and interleukin-6 warrants further investigation. Bariatric surgery provides a model for investigating the mechanisms linking insulin resistance/hyperinsulinaemia to atherosclerosis.
Well-being, Smartphone Sensors, and Data from Open-access Databases: A Mobile Experience Sampling Study
Authors: Stieger Stefan , Reips Ulf-Dietrich
Published: April 2019

We investigated fluctuations of well-being by using a smartphone-based mobile experience sampling method (real-time and multiple time point measurements in the field using smartphones). Moreover, temperature, longitude, latitude, altitude, wind speed, rainfall, and further environment-based indicators were included as predictors either from smartphone sensors or from open-access Internet databases. Overall, a total of 213 participants reported on their well-being (over 14 days; three measurements per day; 8,000+ well-being judgments). We were able to replicate and refine past research about the dynamics of well-being fluctuations during the day (low in the morning, high in the evening) and over the course of a week (low just before the beginning of the week, highest near the end of the week). We also show what kind of benefits empirical researchers can gain for their research using smartphones and their built-in sensors by combining these measures with data from open-access databases.
Production of poly(vinyl alcohol)/Nafion® nanofibers and their stability assessment for the use in direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Zizhou Rumbidzai E , Çay Ahmet , Akçakoca Kumbasar E Perrin , Çolpan C Özgür
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the electrospinning of Nafion® nanofibers with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a carrier polymer and to assess the thermal and chemical stability of resultant PVA/Nafion® nanofibers for the use in direct methanol fuel cells, in simulated conditions. Bead-free PVA/Nafion® nanofibers were produced using higher molecular weight PVA. Resultant PVA and PVA/Nafion® nanofibers were stabilized using two different methods which are BTCA crosslinking and thermal stabilization, followed by sulfonation of the PVA part. FT-IR analysis demonstrated that the membranes were stabilized and sulfonated successfully. Thermal, water, methanol and oxidative stability of the membranes were tested in addition to ion-exchange capacity. Morphological changes in the structure were analyzed using SEM analysis. Thermally stabilized PVA/Nafion® nanofibrous membrane was found to be stable against water, methanol and oxidative effects. The nanofibrous structure was well preserved after treatments, while the other membranes became a film-like material. Thermal stability of the PVA/Nafion® nanofibrous membrane was similar to that of commercial Nafion® 115 membrane up to 200℃.
An electrically conductive hybrid polyaniline/silver-coated polyester fabric for smart applications
Authors: Youssefi Mostafa , Motamedi Fereshteh
Published: April 2019

A highly conductive polyester fabric was fabricated by the two-step successive in situ polymerization of aniline. This was followed by silver electroless plating on the surface of the fabric. Also, a silver electroless-plated fabric and a PANI-coated fabric were prepared by the in situ chemical polymerization of aniline. The electrical conductivity measurements, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, water contact angle measurements, wide angle X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and air permeability tests were conducted on the coated fabrics. It was found that the surface of the hybrid PANI/silver-coated fabric was coated with granular silver particles having the average diameter of 1.3 µm. Besides, the amount of the reduced silver on the surface of the fabric was much higher than that in the silver electroless-plated fabric. The emeraldine form of PANI was oxidized to pernigraniline and the silver ions were reduced to silver metal particles. The hybrid PANI/silver-coated fabric showed the electrical conductivity of 2.63 × 103 Scm−1; so, it could be applied in many smart wearable applications.
Smartphone-Based Interventions to Foster Simple Activity and Personal Satisfaction in People With Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , D’Amico Fiora , Turnone Barbara , Laporta Dominga , Scordamaglia Antonella , Pinto Katia
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

This study assessed a smartphone-based program to promote practical and mildly demanding arm responses and personal satisfaction and increase physical exertion (heart rates) in people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods:

The program relied on a Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone with Android 6.0 operating system. Two groups of 10 and 11 participants, respectively, were assigned different responses (ie, placing cards into an elevated box and moving bottles with water from a table into a container). Responses activated the smartphone, which produced brief periods of preferred stimulation. Lack of responding led the smartphone to produce a verbal prompt.

Results:

All participants had significant increases in independent response frequencies, level of personal satisfaction, and heart rates during program sessions as opposed to baseline or control sessions.

Conclusion:

A smartphone-based program may help people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease increase independent occupation with possible benefits in terms of satisfaction and physical condition.
Workaholism, Motivation, and Addiction in the Workplace: A Critical Review and Implications for HRD
Authors: Kim Sehoon
Published: April 2019

Despite the wide use of the term workaholism, universally defined as an addiction to work, there is little consensus on this concept and how people become workaholics. This article critically reviews the workaholism literature to reframe the concept of workaholism and to provide implications for human resource development (HRD). Through a literature review, four perspectives were found based on assumptions about behavioral motivation. The motivation and addiction processes in workaholism are discussed, focusing on the theories and characteristics of the workplace. The gaps and omissions are identified in the reviewed research, and a workaholism framework is suggested that emphasizes contextual and behavioral inclusiveness. This review contributes to literature on workaholism by illuminating current divergent opinions on workaholism and guiding future research. The recommendations can also enhance the practical development of individuals and organizations that currently or potentially face excessive work issues.
How Authentic Leadership Promotes Individual Creativity: The Mediating Role of Affective Commitment
Authors: Ribeiro Neuza , Duarte Ana Patrícia , Filipe Rita , Torres de Oliveira Rui
Published: April 2019

This study sought to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how authentic leadership can affect employees’ individual creativity through affective commitment’s mediating role. The sample included 177 leader–follower dyads from 26 private, small- and medium-sized enterprises. Followers reported their levels of affective commitment and perceptions of authentic leadership, and leaders assessed each follower’s level of creativity. The results show that authentic leadership has a positive impact on affective commitment and creativity. Moreover, affective commitment fully mediates the relationship between perceived authentic leadership and individual creativity. Organizations can thus increase employees’ affective commitment and creativity by encouraging their managers to adopt more authentic leadership styles. Additional studies with larger samples are needed to determine more clearly not only authentic leadership’s influence on individual creativity but also other psychosocial and personal variables’ effects on that relationship.
Introducing Phenomenological Research Methodology in Sustainable Consumption Literature: Illustrations From India
Authors: Bhar Soumyajit
Published: April 2019

In this age of rising consumerism, it is evident that we need to move toward a more environmentally sustainable and socially just form of consumption patterns by surpassing the impasse currently faced by various sustainable consumption policies. Without any further delay, we need to embrace an apt methodological orientation to gain a better socioculturally situated conceptual understanding of consumers and a means to obtain empirical insights into drivers of socioenvironmentally impactful consumption patterns to be able to proceed toward efficacious sustainable consumption policies. This article proposes a phenomenological research methodology–based conceptual framing and a step-by-step methodological approach based on that framing to gain an in-depth understanding of how consumers being socioculturally situated identity projects–driven subjects embed consumer goods as integral parts of their life narratives and how that in turn acts as the drivers of their consumption. The elaborated steps of interpreting collected consumer narratives are presented with examples from an empirical research conducted in a few Indian cities. Critical reflections on diverse issues that may arise while employing this methodology in similar contexts like India are then discussed. The conclusion highlights how this understanding of consumer could make a novel contribution to sustainable consumption literature.
Study on roll-stability model optimization for partially filled tanker trucks
Authors: Yu Di , Chu Jiangwei
Published: April 2019

In this article, a motion model for the liquid center of gravity in a truck’s partially filled tank is established to solve the roll-stability problem that can occur during vehicle maneuvers. A calculation for the overturn moment, together with a liquid-sloshing equivalent mechanical model, was coupled with the partially filled vehicle motion model using an improved optimization method based on a genetic algorithm for optimizing tank geometry. Four optimized geometries were calculated to select the best roll stability, and numerical simulation results showed that the elliptical cross-section tank, with a = 1.6–1.7 m (long axis) and b = 1.15–1.25 m (short axis), exhibits the best stability. These results can provide a valuable benchmark for vehicle design and roll-stability analysis.
Spatial decoupling control strategy of three-axis linear motor based on sliding mode controller
Authors: Li Zheng , Xiao Yu , Wang Leiyong , Zhou Shuo , Wang Qunjing
Published: April 2019

In this article, the three-axis motion platform built by linear motor is taken as the research object, and a new control scheme is designed to solve the problems of low operation accuracy and response speed when the three-axis motion system completes the spatial contour tracking task. This article establishes the spatial contour error model and effectively reduces the spatial contour error by designing an adaptive super-twisting decoupling sliding mode controller. At the same time, based on the finite-time reachability theory and adaptive control theory, the control strategy adopted in this article can improve the response speed of the system. And, the parameters of the controller can be adjusted adaptively according to the disturbance, thus enhancing the robustness of the system. The effectiveness of the control strategy is verified by simulation and experiment.
Infection-relapse and a potentially surgical stratification model for the treatment of mycotic aortic aneurysms: A propensity-matched pilot study
Authors: Liu Mingyuan , Liu Peng , Liu Bin , Che Haijie , Liu Junjun , Sun Anqiang , Li Wei , Zhang Xiaoming ,   on behalf of the Chinese Collaborator Group for Mycotic Aortic Aneurysms
Published: April 2019

Objective

This study evaluates the overall survival and the infection-relapse after endovascular repair (Endo) vs. open surgery (Open) for mycotic aortic aneurysms and the potential influence of perioperative severity of infection to the decision-making on the long-term survival.

Design

A multicenter, retrospective analysis of 5247 consecutive aortic aneurysm repair performed from January 2003 to December 2017 at five tertiary medical centers was conducted. Among the study population, 257 patients with mycotic aortic aneurysms s were identified. Methods: Finally, 73 patients were enrolled in the cohort after exclusion and a 1:1 propensity-matched analysis. The study cohort drawn from matched data included 37 patients in the Endo group and 36 patients in the Open group. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints included infection-relapse during the follow-up. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess predictors for late mortality.

Results

The mean follow-up time for the entire cohort was 41 months (range, 1 to 135 months). Among propensity-matched patients, there was no significant difference in baseline characteristics. There was no difference in overall survival ( P = 0.083) between the groups at five years, but Open group was associated with a lower infection-relapse incidence during the follow-up ( P = 0.011). Subgroup analysis revealed a better survival rate for Open in patients with severe infection ( P = 0.003) or small periaortic abscess ( P = 0.049).

Conclusion

There were no significant differences between Endo and Open in overall survival. However, Open was a more definite option with less infection-relapse and had potential advantages for patients with severe infection or with a small periaortic abscess.
The Magic of Mechanism: Explanation-Based Instruction on Counterintuitive Concepts in Early Childhood
Authors: Kelemen Deborah
Published: April 2019

Common-sense intuitions can be useful guides in everyday life and problem solving. However, they can also impede formal science learning and provide the basis for robust scientific misconceptions. Addressing such misconceptions has generally been viewed as the province of secondary schooling. However, in this article, I argue that for a set of foundational but highly counterintuitive ideas (e.g., evolution by natural selection), coherent causal-explanatory instruction—instruction that emphasizes the multifaceted mechanisms underpinning natural phenomena—should be initiated much sooner, in early elementary school. This proposal is motivated by various findings from research in the cognitive, developmental, and learning sciences. For example, it has been shown that explanatory biases that render students susceptible to intuitively based scientific misconceptions emerge early in development. Furthermore, findings also reveal that once developed, such misconceptions are not revised and replaced by subsequently learned scientific theories but competitively coexist alongside them. Taken together, this research, along with studies revealing the viability of early coherent explanation-based instruction on counterintuitive theories, have significant implications for the timing, structure, and scope of early science education.
The power of creative learning through the arts: Economic imperative or social good?
Authors: Southern Alex
Published: April 2019

This article uses data generated through qualitative methods and discourse analysis to explore how ‘creative learning’ is articulated in the current educational context in Wales. The research focused on the Arts and Well-Being in Education professional learning programme for primary and secondary schools, delivered by Arts Champions through one of the Regional Arts and Education Networks. The Networks were created to support the Welsh Government and Arts Council of Wales’ Creative learning through the arts action plan. The analysis applies a post-structural framework, influenced by the work of Foucault, to examine the circulating discourses around the ‘benefits’ and ‘value’ of creative learning and the arts. The discussion reveals the underlying structures and ideological project that (in)form the policy context and the resultant practice. The findings show how the Welsh Government’s rhetoric describes a broadly democratic, economic value of the arts, while the Network D case study emphasises the benefit of the arts as a ‘social good’. Within this context, the Arts and Well-Being in Education professional learning programme functions as a local revolution, extending, enhancing and personalising the ‘social good’ so that the benefits centre on well-being through mindful approaches to creativity, the value of which is decided by the individual.
School Nursing Protocol for the Management of Human Bites
Authors: Collins Ruth , Wallin Robin , Park Katherine
Published: April 2019

Human biting is considered a common stage in pediatric infant growth and development. However, this stage is not considered appropriate once children enter group daycare and school settings, and such behavior can lead to injury, stress, and trauma for other students and staff. When biting occurs in the school setting, staff are often unprepared to respond appropriately, and may seek delayed care, if at all. The school nurse may also be ill-equipped to provide first aid and education if there are no standardized guidelines to follow. Having a protocol in place for human bite incidents in the school setting helps school nurses provide information to students, parents, and staff in a timely manner and assists them with following evidence-based practice. Accurate documentation of the incidents also allows school nurses to identify triggers and knowledge deficits, which can assist them in planning educational interventions and training in the school setting.
Future Tense: Harnessing Design Futures Methods to Facilitate Young People’s Exploration of Transformative Change for Sustainability
Authors: Angheloiu Corina , Sheldrick Leila , Tennant Mike , Chaudhuri Goldie
Published: April 2019

The research starts from the premise that as the world is changing rapidly and in nonlinear ways, we are educating future practitioners for jobs and contexts that don’t yet exist. They instead need to be equipped to work for and with uncertainty to be able to grapple with the scale and pace of emergent change. The fields of design and futures studies bring significant insights to this challenge, including an array of methods, tools, and frameworks for prospective and systemic explorations of alternative futures. The emerging field of design futures can be framed as ways to develop and deploy prompts, artifacts, and narratives to critically interrogate tomorrow’s societal debates today; as such, it is intentional from the outset in its pursuit of preferable futures and therefore social and environmental justice. The process of imagining the future is an active, values-laden social practice, which requires a layered approach to a methodology to surface and challenge dominant patterns—making it an ideal approach for training the young people who will shape our future. This article reports on the design and delivery of participatory workshops that employ design futures methods to facilitate the exploration of transformative change for sustainability. These workshops were conducted with young people aged sixteen to seventeen to equip them to develop and explore alternative futures. The results suggest that design futures methods can facilitate participants from non-design backgrounds to develop alternative futures and artifacts that might sit within them. It was found that developing a sense of ownership was key to enabling participants to effectively reflect on alternative futures and their implications. Finally, the study highlights the potential for these methods to inform both design and sustainability pedagogy.
An audit of research productivity in clinical biochemistry revisited
Authors: Reynolds Tim M , Wierzbicki Anthony S
Published: April 2019

Objective

To investigate recent (2011–2015) research productivity in clinical biochemistry and compare it with a previous audit (1994–1998).

Design

A retrospective audit of peer-reviewed academic papers published in Medline listed journals.

Setting

UK chemical pathology/clinical biochemistry laboratories and other clinical scientific staff working in departments of pathology.

Participants

Medically qualified chemical pathologists and clinical scientists.

Main outcome measures

Publications were identified from electronic databases for individuals and sites. Analyses were conducted for individuals, sites and regional educational groups.

Results

Clinical scientific staff numbers fell by 3.9% and medical staff by 17.4% from 1998 to 2015. Publication rates declined as publication count centiles rose between 1998 and 2015 (e.g. n = 5; 67th→84th centile; p < 0.001). A reduction in productivity was seen in medically qualified staff but less from clinical scientists. Regional staffing was 77 ± 37 (range 30–150) with university hospital laboratory staff accounting for 58 ± 19% (range 30–92%). Medically qualified staff comprised 20 ± 4% of staff with lowest numbers in some London regions. Publication rates varied widely with a median of 155 papers per region (range 98–1035) and 2.82 (1.21–8.62) papers/individual. The skew was attenuated, increasing the publication rate to 6.0 ± 2.73 papers (range 2.29–11.76)/individual after correction for the number of university hospital sites per region and was not related to numbers of trainees. High publication rates were associated with the presence of one highly research-active individual. Their activity correlated over their careers from recruitment to today (r2 = 0.45; p = 0.05). The productivity rates of recent cohorts of trainees are inferior to previous cohorts.

Conclusions

Research remains a minority interest in clinical biochemistry. A small and decreasing proportion of individuals publish 90% of the work. A reduction was seen in clinical scientist and especially medical research productivity. No correlation of training activity with research productivity was seen implying weak links with translational medicine.
Internet videoconferencing for patient–clinician consultations in long-term conditions: A review of reviews and applications in line with guidelines and recommendations
Authors: Ignatowicz Agnieszka , Atherton Helen , Bernstein Celia Janine , Bryce Carol , Court Rachel , Sturt Jackie , Griffiths Frances
Published: April 2019

Background

The use of internet videoconferencing in healthcare settings is widespread, reflecting the normalisation of this mode of communication in society and current healthcare policy. As the use of internet videoconferencing is growing, increasing numbers of reviews of literature are published.

Methods

The authors conducted a review of the existing reviews of literature relating to the use of internet videoconferencing for consultations between healthcare professionals and patients with long-term conditions in their own home. The review was followed with an assessment of United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for patient care in the context of common long-term illnesses to examine where videoconferencing could be implemented in line with these recommendations.

Results

The review of reviews found no formal evidence in favour of or against the use of internet videoconferencing. Patients were satisfied with the use of videoconferencing but there was limited evidence that it led to a change in health outcomes. Evidence of healthcare professional satisfaction when using this mode of communication with patients was limited. The review of guidelines suggested a number of opportunities for adoption and expansion of internet videoconferencing. Implementing videoconferencing in line with current evidence for patient care could offer support and provide information on using a communication channel that suits individual patient needs and circumstances. The evidence base for videoconferencing is growing, but there is still a lack of data relating to cost, ethics and safety.

Conclusions

While the current evidence base for internet videoconferencing is equivocal, it is likely to change as more research is undertaken and evidence published. With more videoconferencing services added in more contexts, research needs to explore how internet videoconferencing can be implemented in ways that it is valued by patients and clinicians, and how it can fit within organisational and technical infrastructure of the healthcare services.
Effects of siRNA-mediated silencing of Bmi-1 gene expression on proliferation of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Guo Ying , Zhang Li , Zhou Guangyu , Ma Qingjie , Gao Shi , Zhao Yue
Published: April 2019

This study was designed to investigate the effects of siRNA-mediated silencing of Bmi-1 gene expression on proliferation of AGS gastric cancer cell. siRNA Bmi-1 was transfected into human AGS gastric cancer cells by liposome (as siRNA Bmi-1 group) with negative control (as control group); the expressions of Bmi-1 and apoptosis-related genes like P21, Bax, and Bcl-2 in AGS cells were determined by Western blot method; the apoptosis of AGS cells was detected by flow cytometry double staining and Hoechst staining; and cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry. Compared with the control group, the expression of Bmi-1 in the siRNA Bmi-1 group was significantly decreased ( P < 0.05), the apoptosis rate was increased ( P < 0.05), and cell cycles were arrested at G1 phase (P < 0.05); the expression level of P21 and Bax in cells was significantly up-regulated while that of Bcl-2 down-regulated ( P < 0.05). The down regulation of Bmi-1 can inhibit the proliferation of AGS gastric cancer cell and promote its apoptosis, which takes such effects mainly by up-regulating P21 as well as Bax and down-regulating Bcl-2.
The Point of View of Undergraduate Health Students on Interprofessional Collaboration: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Bianchi Monica , Bagnasco Annamaria , Ghirotto Luca , Aleo Giuseppe , Catania Gianluca , Zanini Milko , Carnevale Franco , Sasso Loredana
Published: April 2019

Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential to prepare future professionals for interprofessional collaboration (IPC). Learning together is essential for students because it is a way to understand the roles of other colleagues, improve their skills, knowledge, competencies, and attitudes to collaborate with the interprofessional teams. To explore how undergraduate students who attend IPE courses define IPC, a qualitative study using semistructured interviews followed by a thematic analysis was performed. Four main themes were identifed: IPC as a resource, requirements for IPC, emotions linked to IPC, and tutor's role to facilitate students' perception of IPC. Students considered IPE important to build IPC, where clinical placement tutors play a key role. The most important findings of the present study include the students' considerations about the importance of IPE when building their IPC definition and the key role played by the tutor during the placement in building IPC in clinical practice.