bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolving a Value Chain to an Open Innovation Ecosystem: Cognitive Engagement of Stakeholders in Customizing Medical Implants
Authors: Randhawa Krithika , West Joel , Skellern Katrina , Josserand Emmanuel
Published: December 2020

While open innovation ecosystems allow a firm to harness external sources of value creation, these external ties can also constrain its ability to adapt its innovation strategy to pursue new opportunities. This article looks at how an incumbent firm approached such constraints, and used cognitive artifacts to transform its value chain into a collaborative ecosystem. It examines the case of a 3D printing-enabled shift to mass customization of orthopedic medical implants. The results demonstrate how firms can use artifacts to build a shared understanding across heterogeneous stakeholders as they explore and develop new open innovation models, and how this process can be managed flexibly to avoid adopting a locally (rather than globally) optimal strategy.
Saint Anselm’s Prayer to the Holy Cross
Authors: Fortin John R.
Published: December 2020

Within the then 1000-year-old tradition of reverence for the crucifix, Saint Anselm’s Prayer to the Holy Cross finds a special place. While such a prayer as his would not be considered novel either in England or in the world of Christianity, it clearly bears the stamp of his own particular style and elegance and was guided by his own personal spirituality. This article will begin by giving a critical analysis of the structure and major themes of the prayer. It will then go on to consider this prayer in comparison to Anselm’s other prayers, with an added note on the place of the cross in Anselm’s other writings. It will be seen that Anselm’s Prayer to the Holy Cross is not simply different from his other prayers, but it stands out as unique in his collection of prayers and is arguably the most contemplative of all his prayers.
Famine in Spain During Franco's Dictatorship, 1939–52
Authors: Blanco Miguel Ángel del Arco
Published: December 2020

In the aftermath of civil war, Spain witnessed a period known as the ‘Years of Hunger’, which would extend throughout the postwar years (1939–52). The dictatorship would lay the blame on external factors, although the causes for the collapse of living conditions and food supply over that time lay in its autarkic policies. This article attempts to show that Spain was victim of a famine as a consequence of the economic policies of the Franco dictatorship. To analyse the Spanish case, we rely on the conceptual framework of famine studies throughout history. We will demonstrate that Spain suffered an extreme socio-economic crisis during the 1940s, but that it was not until late 1939 and 1942, as well as 1946, that a true famine took place. In order to characterise and explain it, we will analyse three different aspects: the rise in the cost of living, the spread of infectious diseases and death by starvation.
Structural Family Therapy with a Client Diagnosed with Dissociative Disorder
Authors: Thayyil Moorshid Mon , Rani Akanksha
Published: December 2020

Structural Family Therapy is one of the most widely used family therapy model which focuses on bringing change in structural and functional aspect of the family. This article focuses on the use of structural family therapy with a client diagnosed with Dissociative Disorder. An in-dept analysis of the case was done by using case study design. The Case Study is presented with client's background, individual assessment, family assessment, the treatment plan with techniques and outcome of interventions. Individual assessment showed that client had low self-esteem, poor problem-solving skills, insecure attachment and inter-personal conflict with the father. Family assessment revealed that client was never allowed to explore and develop according to his individual and unique characteristics. As he grew older the mother became more enmeshed and father became too rigid in terms of his expectation from the client. In order to reduce tensions between parents and cope up with stressful situation client started dissociating. Individual therapy focused on enhancing client's current level of functioning, improving his coping skills and learning to be more assertive in a relationship. Therapy with family emphasized on restructuring unhealthy boundaries by regulating power dynamics within relationship and correcting dysfunctional hierarchies. The outcome of interventions was improvement in family's functioning, interaction pattern and changes in power dynamics within relationship.
Linking cortical atrophy to white matter hyperintensities of presumed vascular origin
Authors: Mayer Carola , Frey Benedikt M , Schlemm Eckhard , Petersen Marvin , Engelke Kristin , Hanning Uta , Jagodzinski Annika , Borof Katrin , Fiehler Jens , Gerloff Christian , Thomalla Götz , Cheng Bastian
Published: December 2020

We examined the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cortical neurodegeneration in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) by investigating whether cortical thickness is a remote effect of WMH through structural fiber tract connectivity in a population at increased risk of CSVD. We measured cortical thickness on T1-weighted images and segmented WMH on FLAIR images in 930 participants of a population-based cohort study at baseline. DWI-derived whole-brain probabilistic tractography was used to define WMH connectivity to cortical regions. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to analyze the relationship between cortical thickness and connectivity to WMH. Factors associated with cortical thickness (age, sex, hemisphere, region, individual differences in cortical thickness) were added as covariates. Median age was 64 [IQR 46–76] years. Visual inspection of surface maps revealed distinct connectivity patterns of cortical regions to WMH. WMH connectivity to the cortex was associated with reduced cortical thickness ( p = 0.009) after controlling for covariates. This association was found for periventricular WMH ( p = 0.001) only. Our results indicate an association between WMH and cortical thickness via connecting fiber tracts. The results imply a mechanism of secondary neurodegeneration in cortical regions distant, yet connected to subcortical vascular lesions, which appears to be driven by periventricular WMH.
Health Literacy and Media Literacy: Is There Any Relation?
Authors: Parandeh Afshar Peiman , Keshavarz Fateme , Salehi Mehdi , Fakhri Moghadam Rezvan , Khajoui Elahe , Nazari Fateme , Dehghan Mahlagha
Published: December 2020

Background

The health information is an important factor for improving people's health behaviors. On the other hand, media literacy plays an important role in the search and selection of valid information and resources about health. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the correlation between health literacy and media literacy.

Method

This study was a cross-sectional study. Random cluster sampling was used to select 700 citizens in Kerman, Iran. Health literacy for Iranian adults’ questionnaire and media literacy questionnaire were used to collect the data.

Results

Health literacy of 53.2% of the citizens was insufficient. Media literacy of 38.6% of the citizens was moderate and it was high in 61.3%. A significant positive correlation was found between health literacy and media literacy.

Conclusion

The media literacy was an important determinant factor for health literacy. The development and increase of media literacy can also increase health literacy.
The Prevalence and Causes of Unwanted Pregnancy Among Woldia University Undergraduate Female Students: Implications for Psychosocial Intervention
Authors: Ayalew Tegegne Wossen
Published: December 2020

Globally Unwanted pregnancy is a health related problem that affects girls, their families and social order. Of an estimated 210 million pregnancies that take place in the world each year, 38% are unwanted, out of which 22% end up with abortion. Unwanted pregnancy among teenagers is a serious risk health related problem in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and causes of unwanted pregnancy in Woldia University. 121 graduating class of technology Faculty, students was selected by using availability (convenient) sampling techniques. Questionnaire having both open ended and close ended items was developed and administrated for participants. The research was mixed in its nature, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The findings of this survey indicated that the bulk of the respondents were using whatever type of contraceptive methods like condom and oral contraceptives.Majorities of them used their allies as the major source of data. From the participants of this study, the majority of them have been fraught. Drinking alcohol and peer pressure were mentioned as a major cause of unwanted pregnancy. The majority of students have experienced an unwanted pregnancy in their campus life, but too little attention given by the university. Thus, university gender directorate office, student union, spiritual leadership, student dean and counselors should work together to minimize the trouble.
The Effect of Educational Program on Hypertension Management Toward Knowledge and Attitude Among Uncontrolled Hypertension Patients in Rural Area of Indonesia
Authors: Kurnia Anggraini Dwi , Melizza Nur , Ruhyanudin Faqih , Masruroh Nur Lailatul , Prasetyo Yoyok Bekti , Setyowati Cici Indah , Khoirunnisa Oktika
Published: December 2020

Background

Hypertension is a major public health threat affecting adults worldwide. The low hypertension management knowledge causes uncontrolled high blood pressure and it’s a complication. It requires patients with uncontrolled hypertension to increase adherence to either pharmacological therapy or nonpharmacological therapy aimed at achieving normal blood pressure.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a short-term educational program on hypertension management related knowledge and attitude among uncontrolled hypertension patients in Malang, Indonesia.

Methods

The research design used a Quasi-Experimental study with the design of one group pre-post-test. The participants were 41 uncontrolled hypertension patients chosen by purposive sampling at the Ciptomulyo Public Health Center. The questionnaires were used to collect the data. The Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-LS) questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge of uncontrolled hypertension patients. KAP questionnaire was used to determine the attitude of the participants. The data were analyzed statistically using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

Results

The majority of respondents were aged 55–65 (54%), female (83%), housewife (76%), graduated elementary school (71%), and long suffered from hypertension >1 year (68%). The result showed that the provision of the educational program increases knowledge (p = 0,000) and attitude (p = 0,008) of patients on the management of hypertension.

Conclusion

Health education could improve hypertension management knowledge and attitude among uncontrolled hypertension in the rural area. Furthermore, Health providers should consider giving the education among uncontrolled hypertension.
Modeling Obesity in Norway (The MOON Study): A Decision-Analytic Approach—Prevalence, Costs, and Years of Life Lost
Authors: Bjørnelv Gudrun M. W. , Halsteinli Vidar , Kulseng Bård E. , Sonntag Diana , Ødegaard Rønnaug A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Limited knowledge exists on the expected long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of initiatives aiming to reduce the burden of obesity.

Aim

To develop a Norwegian obesity-focused disease-simulation model: the MOON model.

Material and Methods

We developed a Markov model and simulated a Norwegian birth cohort’s movement between the health states “normal weight,”“overweight,”“obese 1,”“obese 2,” and “dead” using a lifetime perspective. Model input was estimated using longitudinal data from health surveys and real-world data (RWD) from local and national registers ( N = 99,348). The model is deterministic and probabilistic and stratified by gender. Model validity was assessed by estimating the cohort’s expected prevalence, health care costs, and mortality related to overweight and obesity.

Results

Throughout the cohort’s life, the prevalence of overweight increased steadily and stabilized at 45% at 45 y of age. The number of obese 1 and 2 individuals peaked at age 75 y, when 44% of women and 35% of men were obese. The incremental costs per person associated with obesity was highest in older ages and, when accumulated over the lifetime, higher among women (€12,118, €9,495–€15,047) than men (€6,646, €5,252–€10,900). On average, obesity shortened the life expectancy of women/men in the whole cohort by 1.31/1.08 y. The life expectancy for normal-weight women/men at age 30 was 83.31/80.31. The life expectancy was reduced by 1.05/0.65 y if the individual was overweight, obese (2.87/2.71 y), or obese 2 (4.06/4.83 y).

Conclusion

The high expected prevalence of obesity in the future will lead to substantial health care costs and large losses in life-years. This underscores the need to implement interventions to reduce the burden of obesity; the MOON model will enable economic evaluations for a wide range of interventions.
Informal caregiver burden and influencing factors in gynaecological oncology patients hospitalized for chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zuo Yan , Luo Bi-Ru , Peng Wen-Tao , Liu Xin-Ru , He Ya-Lin , Zhang Jian-Jun
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine the level and influencing factors of informal caregiver burden in gynaecological oncology inpatients receiving chemotherapy.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled gynaecological oncology patients and their informal caregivers between May 2018 and November 2018 and measured the caregivers’ burden using the Caregiver Burden Inventory. The influencing factors were evaluated with univariate regression analysis and multivariate linear stepwise regression analysis.

Results

A total of 138 patients and their informal caregivers completed the questionnaire. The mean ± SD total informal caregiver burden score was 53.18 ± 10.97. The highest mean ± SD score was recorded in the dimension of time-dependent burden (14.28 ± 2.74), followed by developmental burden (13.65 ± 2.15), physical burden (10.52 ± 2.07), social burden (7.61 ± 2.58) and emotional burden (7.12 ± 1.43). Multivariate analysis showed that the informal caregiver’s sex, relationship to the patient, daily duration of care, presence of chronic health problems and the duration of the patient’s disease were factors influencing the level of caregiver burden.

Conclusions

The informal caregivers of gynaecological cancer patients hospitalized for chemotherapy experience a moderate level of burden. Nursing measures should be considered to reduce informal caregiver burden and improve the quality of lives of both patients and their caregivers.
Writing Quantum Entanglement into International Relations: Temporality, Positionality, and the Ontology of War
Authors: McIntosh Chris
Published: December 2020

AbstractLaura Zanotti’s Quantum Entanglements offers something unique to the burgeoning literature surrounding quantum physics, social science, and international relations. Rather than emphasizing the materiality of the science, it expressly aims its focus toward those already engaged in relationality, critical practice, and the politics of ontologies–even/especially for those not especially interested in science qua science. Zanotti’s book calls for a fundamental rethink of the widespread influence of substantialism, even in the places that self-identify as rejecting it as a philosophical position. By positioning Newtonian thought as a metaphor, rather than a mimetic representation of scientific reality, Quantum Entanglements widens the applicability of quantum thinking to areas seemingly far removed from these debates. This article engages Zanotti’s work by reading her insights into three different areas of IR scholarship where her ideas could be particularly useful –temporality, scholarly positionality, and the ontology of war. For each I suggest conceptual developments building on the critique of substantialism and emphasis on quantum entanglement. These developments emphasize the inextricability and ontological challenge of entanglement, as well as centering intellectual and political modesty and human/non-human relationality as ways forward for thinking international politics.
The effect of downsizing on innovation outputs: The role of resource slack and constraints
Authors: Ramdani Boumediene , Guermat Cherif , Mellahi Kamel
Published: December 2020

Although the practice of downsizing is prevalent, its effects on organisational outcomes remain poorly understood. This article examines how and when downsizing affects organisational innovation. Using a unique data set of UK firms over a period of 22 years, we test the effect of downsizing on innovation outputs by considering the moderating role of resource slack and constraints. We argue and empirically demonstrate that downsizing has a dual effect on innovation, contingent on the firm’s level of resources. Our results reveal that downsizing affects innovation outputs positively in firms experiencing resource slack and negatively in firms experiencing resource constraints. We also show that the effect is more immediate in resource-constrained firms. Theoretical and managerial implications of these results are discussed.

JEL Classification: J63, L25, M51, O32
African American Recruitment in Early Heart Failure Palliative Care Trials: Outcomes and Comparison With the ENABLE CHF-PC Randomized Trial
Authors: Stockdill Macy L. , Dionne-Odom J. Nicholas , Wells Rachel , Ejem Deborah , Azuero Andres , Keebler Konda , Sockwell Elizabeth , Tims Sheri , Burgio Kathryn L. , Engler Sally , Durant Raegan , Pamboukian Salpy V. , Tallaj Jose , Swetz Keith M. , Kvale Elizabeth , Tucker Rodney , Bakitas Marie
Published: December 2020

Background:

Palliative care trial recruitment of African Americans (AAs) is a formidable research challenge.

Objectives:

Examine AA clinical trial recruitment and enrollment in a palliative care randomized controlled trial (RCT) for heart failure (HF) patients and compare patient baseline characteristics to other HF palliative care RCTs.

Methods:

This is a descriptive analysis the ENABLE CHF-PC (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends: Comprehensive Heartcare for Patients and Caregivers) RCT using bivariate statistics to compare racial and patient characteristics and differences through recruitment stages. We then compared the baseline sample characteristics among three palliative HF trials.

Results:

Of 785 patients screened, 566 eligible patients with NYHA classification III-IV were approached; 461 were enrolled and 415 randomized (AA = 226). African Americans were more likely to consent than Caucasians (55%; P FDR = .001), were younger (62.7 + 8; P FDR = .03), had a lower ejection fraction (39.1 + 15.4; PFDR = .03), were more likely to be single ( P FDR = .001), and lack an advanced directive (16.4%; P FDR < .001). AAs reported higher goal setting (3.3 + 1.3; P FDR = .007), care coordination (2.8 + 1.3; P FDR = .001) and used more “denial” coping strategies (0.8 + 1; P FDR = .001). Compared to two recent HF RCTs, the ENABLE CHF-PC sample had a higher proportion of AAs and higher baseline KCCQ clinical summary scores.

Conclusion:

ENABLE CHF-PC has the highest reported recruitment rate and proportion of AAs in a palliative clinical trial to date. Community-based recruitment partnerships, recruiter training, ongoing communication with recruiters and clinician co-investigators, and recruiter racial concordance likely contributed to successful recruitment of AAs. These important insights provide guidance for design of future HF palliative RCTs.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02505425
Stigma Experienced by Transgender Women of Color in Their Dating and Romantic Relationships: Implications for Gender-based Violence Prevention Programs
Authors: Gamarel Kristi E. , Jadwin-Cakmak Laura , King Wesley M. , Lacombe-Duncan Ashley , Trammell Racquelle , Reyes Lilianna A. , Burks Cierra , Rivera Bré , Arnold Emily , Harper Gary W.
Published: December 2020

Although transgender women of color, specifically Black and Latina experience gender-based violence in a variety of contexts, one of the most consistently reported is from a dating or romantic partner. This qualitative study sought to understand the manifestations and consequences of stigma experienced by transgender women of color in their dating or romantic relationships. Between January and February 2019, we purposively recruited 33 transgender women of color to participate in five focus group discussions and complete a brief survey. We employed both inductive and deductive approaches to coding and thematic analysis. We identified different forms of anti-transgender interpersonal stigma experienced by transgender women of color seeking romantic relationships and by those in romantic relationships. For those dating and seeking relationships, anti-transgender interpersonal stigma took the form of dehumanizing stereotypes and sexual objectification. While these manifestations of anti-transgender interpersonal stigma persisted for some within relationships, concealment behaviors from partners was the predominant type of anti-transgender interpersonal stigma. Each of these forms of anti-transgender interpersonal stigma had significant gender-based violence consequences, specifically encountering physical violence, experiencing psychological trauma, and engaging in survival strategies. In the current climate of COVID-19, which is exacerbating risks of gender-based violence, there is an urgent need to understand and address the nuanced manifestations of stigma in relationships and their consequences on the lives of transgender women of color. Culturally grounded gender-based violence prevention policies and programs with transgender women should address these forms of stigma and build on community strengths. Findings also highlight the importance of future research and gender-based violence prevention programming with cisgender men in/seeking partnerships with transgender women of color.
The Impact of Employees’ Gender and Age on Organizational Citizenship Behavior Using a Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Ajlouni Wajdee Mohammadkair Ebrheem , Kaur Gurvinder , Alomari Saleh Ali
Published: December 2020

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is vital for continuous organizational growth and development. OCB also plays an evident role in advancing the quality of health care services and practicing OCB in hospitals can be useful. Although OCBs’ contributing factors have been studied in Jordan in earlier researches, the utilization of OCB in health sector is still a new topic. Therefore, this article aimed to investigate the impact of employees’ gender and age on OCB at Jordanian governmental hospitals using a fuzzy approach. A convenient sample of 126 employees working in three main governmental hospitals in the north of Jordan has been taken. The collected data include linguistic terms that suffer from uncertainty which, in turn, cannot be dealt with traditional numerical values. This study indicates that gender impact on OCB has statistically significant differences at α = .05 in favor of males with the total score of 0.011% as far as altruism, courtesy, and civic virtue are concerned. Similarly, the effect of age factor on OCB is statistically significant differences at α = .05 in relation to courtesy, sportsmanship, and civic virtue with the total score of 0.27%. Finally, the results provide baseline data for further studies that may pay more attention toward employees’ demographics in OCB. This study can support mangers and leaders holding dominant positions in public sector health care organizations.
Correlating tool wear and surface integrity of a CNC turning process using Naïve based classifiers
Authors: Mandal Nirmal Kumar , Singh Nirmal Kumar , Tarafdar Najimul Hosen , Hazra Anirban
Published: December 2020

Surface finish is an important phenomenon in hard turning. There are many factors which can influence the finishing of a product. Literature review reveals that substantial research has been performed on hard machining, still relationship of tool wear and surface finish parameters like [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is not established as the process is so dynamic and transient in nature. As a result, most of the responses like tool wear, surface integrity parameters, cutting force, and vibration are random in nature. In this investigation, Topic Modelling (TM), a relatively new topic particularly used in machine learning is applied to determine a particular stage of tool wear. Tool wear is divided into three distinct groups namely initial stage (IS), progressive stage (PS), and exponential stage (ES) from a number of experimental observations. Then, surface parameters namely [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are measured. A probabilistic model consisting of tool wear and surface parameters is developed using Naïve based classifier. This model is capable to predict a particular stage of tool wear given randomly selected values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] To validate this probabilistic model, an alternative machine learning method called multinomial logistic regression is used. Each of this method indicates that the tool has reached to exponential stage when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] =. [Formula: see text]
Technico-economic modelling of ground and air source heat pumps in a hot and dry climate
Authors: Alshehri Faisal , Beck Stephen , Ingham Derek , Ma Lin , Pourkashanian Mohammed
Published: December 2020

In a hot and dry country such as Saudi Arabia, air-conditioning systems consume seventy per cent of the electrical energy. In order to reduce this demand, conventional air -conditioning technology should be replaced by more efficient renewable energy systems. These should be compared to the current standard systems which use air source heat pumps (ASHPs). These have a poor performance when the air temperature is high. In Saudi Arabia, this can be as much as 50 °C. The purpose of this work, therefore, is to simulate and evaluate the performance of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) compared with systems employing (ASHPs). For the first time, both systems were comprehensively modelled and simulated using the Transient System Simulation (TRNSYS). In addition, the Ground Loop Design (GLD) software was used to design the length of the ground loop heat exchanger. In order to assess this configuration, an evaluation of a model of a single story office building, based on the climatic conditions and geological characteristics that occur in the city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia was investigated. The period of evaluation was twenty years in order to determine the Coefficient of Performance (COP), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and power consumption. The simulation results show that the GSHP system has a high performance when compared to ASHP. The average annual COP and EER were 4.1 and 15.5 for the GSHP compared to 3.8 and 11 for the ASHP respectively, and the GSHP is a feasible alternative to ASHP with an 11 years payback period with an 18% total cost saving over the simulation period and 36% lower annual energy consumption. The TRNSYS model shows that despite the positive results of the modeling, the high rate of the underground thermal imbalance (88%) could lead to a system failure in the long term
Energy-saving design of variable-displacement bi-directional pump-controlled electrohydraulic system
Authors: Kumar Hati Samir , Pada Mandal Nimai , Sanyal Dipankar
Published: December 2020

Losses in control valves drag down the average overall efficiency of electrohydraulic systems to only about 22% from nearly 75% for standard pump-motor sets. For achieving higher energy efficiency in slower systems, direct pump control replacing fast-response valve control is being put in place through variable-speed motors. Despite the promise of a quicker response, displacement control of pumps has seen slower progress for exhibiting undesired oscillation with respect to the demand in some situations. Hence, a mechatronic simulation-based design is taken up here for a variable-displacement pump–controlled system directly feeding a double-acting single-rod cylinder. The most significant innovation centers on designing an axial-piston pump with an electrohydraulic compensator for bi-directional swashing. An accumulator is conceived to handle the flow difference in the two sides across the load piston. A solenoid-driven sequence valve with P control is proposed for charging the accumulator along with setting its initial gas pressure by a feedforward design. Simple proportional–integral–derivative control of the compensator valve is considered in this exploratory study. Appropriate setting of the gains and critical sizing of the compensator has been obtained through a detailed parametric study aiming low integral absolute error. A notable finding of the simulation is the achievement of the concurrent minimum integral absolute error of 3.8 mm s and the maximum energy saving of 516 kJ with respect to a fixed-displacement pump. This is predicted for the combination of the circumferential port width of 2 mm for the compensator valve and the radial clearance of 40 µm between each compensator cylinder and the paired piston.
Unbiasedness and efficiency of non-parametric and UMVUE estimators of the probabilistic index and related statistics
Authors: Verbeeck Johan , Deltuvaite-Thomas Vaiva , Berckmoes Ben , Burzykowski Tomasz , Aerts Marc , Thas Olivier , Buyse Marc , Molenberghs Geert
Published: December 2020

In reliability theory, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical trials, the quantity [Formula: see text], also known as the Probabilistic Index (PI), is a common treatment effect measure when comparing two groups of observations. The quantity [Formula: see text], a linear transformation of PI known as the net benefit, has also been advocated as an intuitively appealing treatment effect measure. Parametric estimation of PI has received a lot of attention in the past 40 years, with the formulation of the Uniformly Minimum-Variance Unbiased Estimator (UMVUE) for many distributions. However, the non-parametric Mann–Whitney estimator of the PI is also known to be UMVUE in some situations. To understand this seeming contradiction, in this paper a systematic comparison is performed between the non-parametric estimator for the PI and parametric UMVUE estimators in various settings. We show that the Mann–Whitney estimator is always an unbiased estimator of the PI with univariate, completely observed data, while the parametric UMVUE is not when the distribution is misspecified. Additionally, the Mann–Whitney estimator is the UMVUE when observations belong to an unrestricted family. When observations come from a more restrictive family of distributions, the loss in efficiency for the non-parametric estimator is limited in realistic clinical scenarios. In conclusion, the Mann–Whitney estimator is simple to use and is a reliable estimator for the PI and net benefit in realistic clinical scenarios.
Measuring Perceived Service Quality in Healthcare Setting in Developing Countries: A Review for Enhancing Managerial Decision-making
Authors: Singh Deepti , Dixit Kavaldeep
Published: December 2020

Healthcare is vital for the overall well-being of an individual. The service quality in healthcare is a matter of great importance for health institutions across the world. With increasing patient awareness and rising competition among hospitals, patient perception of healthcare quality has become very relevant. This study aims to review the literature to explore the concepts of perceived service quality, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intentions. The study has attempted to look into the relationship between perceived healthcare service quality, patient satisfaction, and behavioural intentions of patients. Healthcare service quality is measured using SERVQUAL dimensions as well as other dimensions specific to the healthcare sector. The findings clearly show that perceived healthcare service quality, patient satisfaction, and behavioural intentions are closely related to each other, and high-quality services lead to satisfied patients who further exhibit positive behavioural intentions.
Book review: Ronak Kapadia, Insurgent Aesthetics: Security and the Queer Life of the Forever War
Authors: Khubchandani Kareem
Published: December 2020

Ronak Kapadia, Insurgent Aesthetics: Security and the Queer Life of the Forever War. Duke University Press, 2019, 352 pp., $28.95. ISBN: 9781478004011.
Balancing the public interest and self-interest: The face of peer review in Australia
Authors: Shelton Wendy , Jacobs Kerry
Published: December 2020

The implementation of peer review by Australia’s two largest accountancy professional bodies during the 1990s provides a case study in which the interaction of the public interest and self-interest is examined. It is argued that on occasions where individual self-interest of members conflicts with self-interest of the collective, the public interest motivates a way forward.
A Morning Bright Light Therapy Intervention to Improve Circadian Health in Adolescent Cancer Survivors: Methods and Preliminary Feasibility
Authors: Rogers Valerie E. , Mowbray Catriona , Rahmaty Zahra , Hinds Pamela S.
Published: December 2020

Circadian rhythm disturbances are common among children with cancer, and are associated with poor health outcomes. Social zeitgeber theory suggests that intervening in the cascade of events that disrupt circadian rhythms may improve health outcomes. Light, most potently sunlight, is a “zeitgeber,” or environmental cue instrumental in maintaining entrainment of circadian rhythms. Bright white light (BWL) therapy, a proxy for sunlight, has been used successfully to prevent deterioration of circadian rhythms in adult cancer patients, and to reentrain these rhythms in adolescents with circadian rhythm disorders. This study aimed to develop and assess preliminary feasibility of a BWL therapy intervention for supporting circadian health of adolescent cancer survivors. We hypothesized that adolescents could independently manage BWL in their home, coordinated by nurses using a mail-, phone- and internet-based format, with minimal side effects. Adolescents were instructed to use BWL for 30 minutes daily on awakening, for 28 days. Actigraphs, measuring the circadian activity rhythms of sleep and wake, were worn for 7 days at baseline and Week 4. Adverse events were screened serially. Analyses were descriptive and nonparametric. Eight adolescents participated. On average, BWL was used on 61% of days, for 15 minutes per day. Adverse events were generally mild, although one participant discontinued BWL due to persistent BWL-related nausea. This nurse-guided remote BWL therapy intervention in adolescent cancer survivors demonstrated preliminary feasibility. Future studies with larger samples are required to verify the feasibility of this study, and to determine its safety and effectiveness in supporting circadian activity rhythms.
Flexible Work Arrangements and Health in White-Collar Urban Professionals
Authors: Senthanar Sonja , Varatharajan Sharanya , Bigelow Philip
Published: December 2020

Although some research has examined health implications of flexible work arrangements, little is known about job flexibility and health in the context of modern working life, characterized by intensification. Grounded on the Job Demand-Resource model, this article explores access to flexible work arrangements and organizational climate on the health and well-being of white-collar, urban professionals in downtown Toronto. A qualitative content analysis of eight semistructured interviews with white-collar, urban professionals between the ages of twenty-five and thirty-two revealed three domains—intensity of work life and demands, coworker and managerial relations, and the boundaries between work and home—where demands outweighed resources to limit workers’ ability to practice flexibility. Thus, an emerging trend where workers need to be flexible within flexible work arrangements emerged. Findings point to the need for organizational commitment and activities to address unhealthy behaviors in the context of modern working life.
Validation of a Brief Measure of Aggression for Ecological Momentary Assessment Research: The Aggression-ES-A
Authors: Murray Aja Louise , Eisner Manuel , Ribeaud Denis , Booth Tom
Published: December 2020

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) holds significant potential within aggression research. It affords researchers the possibility of collecting data in ecological context, in near real time. However, there is a lack of measures of aggression that have been developed and validated for use in EMA contexts. In this study, we report on the validation of a measure specifically designed to address this need: the Aggression-ES-A. Building on a previous pilot study, we evaluate the within- and between-person reliability, nomological net and associations with a validated trait measure of aggression of the Aggression-ES-A in a sample of N = 255 emerging adults from the Zurich Project on Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z-proso). Using multilevel confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, we found support for the factorial validity, reliability, and concurrent validity of the Aggression-ES-A scores. Results support the use of the Aggression-ES-A in EMA studies utilizing community-ascertained samples.
Parent–Child Relationship Quality as a Mediator of the Association between Perceived Stress and Diabetes Self-Management in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Luo Jiaxin , Guo Jia , Yang Jundi , Ou Xiancai , Grey Margaret
Published: December 2020

Diabetes self-management is suboptimal in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D), including those in China. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of parent–child relationship quality on diabetes self-management. Data were collected by a self-report survey among 122 Chinese adolescents from April to July 2017. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance, descriptive analyses, correlation analyses, and mediation analyses. The mean age was 13.8 (range, 10–18) years, and the mean diabetes duration was 4.1 (±3.1) years. About half of the adolescents with T1D experienced high levels of perceived stress. Parent–child relationship quality mediated the associations between perceived stress and collaboration with parents, diabetes care activities, and diabetes communication on aspects of diabetes self-management ( ps < 0.05). To reduce the negative impacts of perceived stress on diabetes self-management in this population, parent–child relationship quality should be considered an important element of family-based interventions and clinical practice.
The MET(T)A Protocol: Mindfulness and EMDR Treatment Template for Agencies
Authors: Dansiger Stephen , Chabra Roshni , Emmel Lauren , Kovacs Justine
Published: December 2020

Evidence indicating the relationship between trauma and substance use disorders (SUDs), in addition to relapse and treatment retention rates for this population, suggests there is a need for a trauma-focused solution to treat SUDs. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been studied extensively as an effective approach for treating trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The research evaluating its treatment for other mental health disorders such as SUDs is promising. Merging mindfulness and ethical mindfulness practices with EMDR therapy lends additional evidence-based elements to make the case for this integrative system of treatment to be studied as a trauma-focused primary psychotherapy to treat SUDs. The resulting treatment, the MET(T)A Protocol (Mindfulness and EMDR Treatment Template for Agencies), has been created to address the need for a trauma-focused solution to treat SUDs. Procedures of the MET(T)A Protocol as applied in each of the 8 phases of EMDR therapy are described in detail. Clinical examples are provided to explain the application of the MET(T)A Protocol.
Reviewing the Effects of Miltefosine and Suggesting It for the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Latifi Alireza
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Miltefosine is an anti-cancer drug used to treat leishmaniasis and deadly opportunistic free-living amoeba and other deadly pathogenic microorganisms. Several studies have demonstrated its antiviral effect. In this study, we discuss the effectiveness of this drug on pathogenic microorganisms, and according to the functional system of the medicine, we present this drug as a therapeutic proposal to treat Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in electronic databases, including Pubmed, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, and articles published from 2006 to 2020 (the last decade) were selected. The search keywords included Miltefosine, microorganism, pathogen, and treatment.

Results:

The studies indicated that Miltefosine had therapeutic effects on leishmaniasis and deadly opportunistic free-living amoeba and other deadly pathogenic microorganisms. Several studies have proven its antiviral effect.

Conclusion:

Owing to the beneficial effects of this drug on pathogenic and deadly microorganisms and antiviral effects, and due to the epidemic of Coronavirus and the lack of effective treatment and vaccine, this drug is recommended as one of the treatment options for this disease.
A pilot study on the impact of a first-time central heating intervention on resident mental wellbeing
Authors: Sharpe Richard A , Williams Andrew J , Simpson Ben , Finnegan Gemma , Jones Tim
Published: December 2020

Fuel poverty affects around 34% of European homes, representing a considerable burden to society and healthcare systems. This pilot study assesses the impact of an intervention to install a new first time central heating system in order to reduce fuel poverty on household satisfaction with indoor temperatures/environment, ability to pay bills and mental well-being. In Cornwall, 183 households received the intervention and a further 374 went onto a waiting list control. A post-intervention postal questionnaires and follow-up phone calls were undertaken ( n = 557) to collect data on household demographics, resident satisfaction with indoor environment, finances and mental well-being (using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing scale). We compared responses between the waiting list control and intervention group to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. A total of 31% of participants responded, 83 from the waiting list control and 71 from the intervention group. The intervention group reported improvements in the indoor environment, finances and mental well-being. However, these benefits were not expressed by all participants, which may result from diverse resident behaviours, lifestyles and housing characteristics. Future policies need to consider whole house approaches alongside resident training and other behaviour change techniques that can account for complex interactions between behaviours and the built environment.
A one-man show: Journalist Reuven Pedatzur and the Arrow missile project 1994–2012
Authors: Frenkel Haim , Nossek Hillel
Published: December 2020

This article seeks to examine whether, in an age where anyone ostensibly can become a journalist without the backing of any professional and responsible system, a single journalist can bring an important topic, related to a central security issue in a given society, to the attention of the media and of decision-makers. To this end, this study compared the salience and framing of coverage of the Arrow missile project in the Israeli press and among Israeli journalists to the coverage of two other complex topics – the Dolphin submarine project and the Merkava tank project. Two Israeli newspapers were examined: Ha’aretz, which appeals mainly to intellectual readers, and the mass- circulation Yedioth Aharonoth. The findings show that the Arrow project received much more salient coverage than the other projects examined, thanks to the salience Reuven Pedatzur, Ha’aretz journalist, afforded the project. Moreover, Pedatzur’s negative framings of the Arrow project were the most salient, such that the project was framed more negatively than positively, as was also the case for the Merkava tank project, which was framed negatively by Ha’aretz journalist Amnon Barzilai, though its salience was much lower. Hence, the findings of this study contribute to constructing a normative and effective model for journalistic work. The model centers on personal affinity for the topic covered, a sense of mission regarding the need to change the policy of a political institution, specialization in and study of the topic under consideration, a solid standing in the world of journalism, journalistic experience, backing from high quality and anti-establishment journalistic institution and support from the military (the air force in this case) and the political elite.
Investigating the impact of gasoline composition on PN in GDI engines using an improved measurement method
Authors: Bokor Charles , Rohani Behzad , Humphries Charlie , Morrey Denise , Bonatesta Fabrizio
Published: December 2020

An experimental investigation was carried out to investigate Particulate Number (PN) emissions from a modern, small-capacity Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine. The first part of the study focused on improving measurement repeatability using the Cambustion DMS-500 device. Results showed that sampling near the exhaust valve – while dampening the pressure oscillations in the sampling line – can significantly improve the repeatability. It was also found that uncontrolled phenomena such as deposition in the exhaust system from earlier engine operation can undermine the accuracy of measurements taken at tailpipe level. The second part of the work investigated PN emissions from three types of gasoline fuel, Pump-grade, Performance and Reference. Fuel chemical composition was found to have an appreciable impact on PN, but the magnitude of this effect differs in various operating points, being more pronounced at higher engine load. The Reference fuel was found to have the lowest PN emission tendency, conceivably because of its lower aromatics, olefins and heavy hydrocarbons content. A sweep of operating parameters showed that higher injection pressure reduces PN, but the extent of the reduction depends on fuel physical properties such as volatility.