bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tape suture for stabilization of incomplete posterior pelvic ring fractures—biomechanical analysis of a new minimally invasive treatment for incomplete lateral compression pelvic ring fractures
Authors: Becker Christopher Alexander , Kussmaul Adrian Cavalcanti , Suero Eduardo Manuel , Regauer Markus , Woiczinski Matthias , Braun Christian , Flatz Wilhelm , Pieske Oliver , Kammerlander Christian , Boecker Wolfgang , Greiner Axel
Published: December 2019

Background

Incomplete lateral compression fractures (including AO Type B2.1) are among the most common pelvic ring injuries. Although the treatment of choice remains controversial, sacroiliac (SI) screws are commonly used for the operative treatment of incomplete lateral compression fractures of the pelvic ring. However, the disadvantages of SI screws include the risk of nerve root or blood vessel injury. Recently, tape sutures have been found useful as stabilizing material for the treatment of injuries of the syndesmosis, the rotator cuff and knee ligaments. In this current study, we aimed to test the biomechanical feasibility of tape sutures to stabilize the pelvis in the setting of AO Type B2.1 injury.

Methods

Six human cadaveric pelvises underwent cyclic loading to compare the biomechanical stability of different osteosynthesis methods in a B2.1 fracture model. The methods tested in this experiment were a FiberTape® suture and the currently established SI screw. A 3D ultrasound tracking system was used to measure fracture fragment motion. Linear regression was used to model displacement and stiffness at the posterior and anterior pelvic ring.

Results

At the posterior fracture site, the FiberTape® demonstrated similar displacement (2.2 ± 0.8 mm) and stiffness (52.2 ± 18.0 N/mm) compared to the sacroiliac screw (displacement 2.1 ± 0.6 mm, P >  0.999; stiffness 50.8 ± 13.0 N/mm, P > 0.999).

Considering the anterior fracture site, the FiberTape® again demonstrated similar displacement (3.8 ± 1.3 mm) and stiffness (29.5 ± 9.0 N/mm) compared to the sacroiliac screw (displacement 2.9 ± 0.8 mm, P = 0.2196; stiffness 37.5 ± 11.5 N/mm, P = 0.0711).

Conclusion

The newly presented osteosynthesis, the FiberTape®, shows promising results for the stabilization of the posterior pelvic ring in AO Type B2.1 lateral compression fractures compared to a sacroiliac screw osteosynthesis based on its minimal-invasiveness and the statistically similar biomechanical properties.
Plate-related results of opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with a carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CF-PEEK) plate fixation: a retrospective case series of 346 knees
Authors: Hartz Claudia , Wischatta Ralph , Klostermeier Eckhardt , Paetzold Malte , Gerlach Klaus , Pries Frank
Published: December 2019

Background

While open wedge high tibial osteotomy (owHTO) is an established standard procedure to treat medial osteoarthritis of the knee in combination with varus deformity, it bears the risk of postoperative hardware failures and lateral cortical hinge fractures. This in turn can lead to an accelerated osteoarthritis, non-union, or a loss of correction accuracy. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the radiologic outcomes of owHTO with a carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CF-PEEK) plate fixation in patients with medial osteoarthritis and varus deformity.

Methods

Three hundred twenty-four consecutive patients (346 knees) who were treated with owHTO using the PEEKPower HTO plate were included in this retrospective study; 89.9% of the patients were overweight or obese. Patients were followed by conventional radiographs over a 12-month period. Typical plate-related results such as the time and quality of gap healing as well as the correction accuracy were analyzed. Furthermore, the number of lateral cortex fractures was determined.

Results

Bony consolidation was observed after a mean gap healing time of 4.0 ± 1.7 months independent on the patients’ weight (p = 0.2302). With increasing gap sizes, bony healing was significantly prolonged (p < 0.001). Additionally, patients with greater gap sizes had a significantly increased risk for a lateral cortex fracture (p = 0.0041). However, none of the patients had a non-union 1 year postoperative. A hinge fracture occurred in 30% of patients. Hinge fractures with Takeuchi grades I and II increased the gap healing time compared to no fracture (p = 0.0069 andp = 0.0002, respectively), but only 1.2% of patients with hinge fracture had a clinical relevant loss of correction ≥ 3 mm. No implant failures were found.

Conclusions

Open wedge HTO using the PEEKPower HTO plate for patients with medial osteoarthritis of the knee in combination with tibial varus deformity leads to excellent bony consolidation also in cases with a hinge fracture, a gap size > 12 mm as well as for severely obese patients.
Effect of hospital volume on outcomes of total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mufarrih Syed Hamza , Ghani Muhammad Owais Abdul , Martins Russell Seth , Qureshi Nada Qaisar , Mufarrih Sayyeda Aleena , Malik Azeem Tariq , Noordin Shahryar
Published: December 2019

Background

A shift in the healthcare system towards the centralization of common yet costly surgeries, such as total hip arthroplasty (THA), to high-volume centers of excellence, is an attempt to control the economic burden while simultaneously enhancing patient outcomes. The “volume-outcome” relationship suggests that hospitals performing more treatment of a given type exhibit better outcomes than hospitals performing fewer. This theory has surfaced as an important factor in determining patient outcomes following THA. We performed a systematic review with meta-analyses to review the available evidence on the impact of hospital volume on outcomes of THA.

Materials and methods

We conducted a review of PubMed (MEDLINE), OVID MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library of studies reporting the impact of hospital volume on THA. The studies were evaluated as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 44 studies were included in the review. We accessed pooled data using random-effect meta-analysis.

Results

Results of the meta-analyses show that low-volume hospitals were associated with a higher rate of surgical site infections (1.25 [1.01, 1.55]), longer length of stay (RR, 0.83[0.48–1.18]), increased cost of surgery (3.44, [2.57, 4.30]), 90-day complications (RR, 1.80[1.50–2.17]) and 30-day (RR, 2.33[1.27–4.28]), 90-day (RR, 1.26[1.05–1.51]), and 1-year mortality rates (RR, 2.26[1.32–3.88]) when compared to high-volume hospitals following THA. Except for two prospective studies, all were retrospective observational studies.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate superior outcomes following THA in high-volume hospitals. Together with the reduced cost of the surgical procedure, fewer complications may contribute to saving considerable opportunity costs annually. However, a need to define objective volume-thresholds with stronger evidence would be required.

Trial registration

PROSPEROCRD42019123776.
Self-care for head and neck cancer survivors with lymphedema and fibrosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deng Jie , Dietrich Mary S. , Murphy Barbara
Published: December 2019

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at high risk for developing lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF) following cancer treatment. Once HNC patients develop LEF, they need to conduct life-long self-care to slow LEF progression and reduce associated symptom burden and functional deficits. Data demonstrate that inadequate LEF self-care may be a potentially remediable issue. The objective of this study is to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) Skills model-driven self-care program (SCP) to improve LEF management and reduce LEF-related symptom burden and functional impairments.

Methods/design

This is a three-arm, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial to compare: Group 1 – Usual Care, Group 2 – Usual Care Plus LEF-SCP, and Group 3 – Usual Care Plus LEF-SCP Plus Follow-Up. Participants will be HNC survivors aged > 18 years of age, who meet predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A sample size of 75 participants is targeted. Interventions will be provided by trained staff. The study assessments for all groups will take place at five points: study entry then 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post enrollment. Outcome measures include: (1) feasibility (barriers to implementation, safety, and satisfaction) of the proposed intervention; (2) self-efficacy and adherence to self-care; and (3) preliminary efficacy (LEF progression, symptom burden, and functional status) of the proposed intervention.

Discussion

This will be the first study to evaluate the feasibility of a LEF-SCP in the HNC population and its impact on self-efficacy and adherence. Furthermore, it will evaluate the potential benefit of routine follow-up on adherence and fidelity to the self-care protocol. We expect that the trial will provide evidence supporting the feasibility of a LEF self-care program. In addition, we anticipate that preliminary data will support improved outcomes including increased adherence and fidelity, and decreased LEF-associated symptoms.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the US National Institute of Health (NCT 03030859). Registered on 22 January 2017.
Pharmacist-led therapeutic carbohydrate restriction as a treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes: the Pharm-TCR randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Durrer Cody , McKelvey Sean , Singer Joel , Batterham Alan M. , Johnson James D. , Wortman Jay , Little Jonathan P.
Published: December 2019

Background

The current treatment paradigm for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) typically involves use of multiple medications to lower glucose levels in hope of reducing long-term complications. However, such treatment does not necessarily address the underlying pathophysiology of the disease and very few patients achieve partial, complete, or prolonged remission of T2D after diagnosis. The therapeutic potential of nutrition has been highlighted recently based on results of clinical trials reporting remission of T2D with targeted dietary approaches. During the initial phase of such interventions that restrict carbohydrates and/or induce rapid weight loss, hypoglycemia presents a notable risk to patients. We therefore hypothesized that delivering very low-carbohydrate, low-calorie therapeutic nutrition through community pharmacies would be an innovative strategy to facilitate lowering of glycated hemoglobin (A1C) while safely reducing the use of glucose-lowering medications in T2D.

Methods

A community-based randomized controlled trial that is pragmatic in nature, following a parallel-group design will be conducted (N = 200). Participants will have an equal chance of being randomized to either a pharmacist-led, therapeutic carbohydrate restricted (Pharm-TCR) diet or guideline-based treatment as usual (TAU). Pharm-TCR involves a 12-week very low carbohydrate, calorie-restricted commercial diet plan led by pharmacists and lifestyle coaches with pharmacists responsible for managing medications in collaboration with the participants’ family physicians. Main inclusion criteria are diagnosis of T2D, currently treated with glucose-lowering medications, age 30–75 years, and body mass index ≥ 30. The primary outcome is a binary measure of use of glucose-lowering medication. Secondary outcomes include A1C, anthropometrics and clinical blood markers.

Discussion

There are inherent risks involved if patients with T2D who take glucose-lowering medications follow very low carbohydrate diets. This randomized controlled trial aims to determine whether engaging community pharmacists is a safe and effective way to deliver therapeutic carbohydrate restriction and reduce/eliminate the need for glucose-lowering medications in people with T2D.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03181165. Registered on 8 June 2017.
Evaluation of bladder stimulation as a non-invasive technique for urine collection to diagnose urinary tract infection in infants under 6 months: a randomized multicenter study (“EE-Sti.Ve.N”)
Authors: Demonchy D. , Ciais C. , Fontas E. , Berard E. , Bréaud J. , Rohrlich P. S. , Dubos F. , Fortier C. , Desmontils J. , Hérisse A. L. , Donzeau D. , Haas H. , Tran A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in infants and needs to be diagnosed quickly. However, the symptoms are non-specific, and diagnosis can only be confirmed after high quality urinalysis. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends suprapubic aspiration (1–9% contamination) and urinary catheterization (8–14% contamination) for urine collection but both these procedures are invasive. Recent studies have shown a new non-invasive method of collecting urine, bladder stimulation, to be quick and safe. However, few data about bacterial contamination rates have been published for this technique. We hypothesize that the contamination rate of urine collection by bladder stimulation to diagnose febrile UTI in infants under 6 months is equivalent to that of urinary catheterization.

Methods/design

This trial aims to assess equivalence in terms of bacterial contamination of urinary samples collected by urinary catheterization and bladder stimulation to diagnose UTI. Seven hundred seventy infants under 6 months presenting with unexplained fever in one of four Pediatric Emergency Departments in France will be enrolled. Each child will be randomized into a bladder stimulation or urinary catheterization group. The primary endpoints will be the validity of the urine sample assessed by the presence of contamination on bacterial culture.

Conclusion

A high recruitment rate is achievable due to the high prevalence of suspected UTIs in infants. The medical risk is the same as that for routine clinical care as we analyze patients with isolated fever.

If our hypothesis holds true and the rate of urine contamination collected by bladder stimulation is acceptable, the infants included in the study will have benefited from a non-invasive and reliable means of collecting urine.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03801213. Registered on 11 January 2019.
Manual therapy as a prophylactic treatment for migraine: design of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Amons Andreas Leonard , Castien Rene Franciscus , van der Wouden Johannes C. , De Hertogh Willem , Dekker Joost , van der Horst Henriëtte Eveline
Published: December 2019

Background

People with migraine often experience disability with serious consequences for their social life and work productivity. The pharmacological prophylactic management of migraine is effective in reducing migraine attacks. However, many people are reluctant to use daily prophylactic medication, leading to a demand for non-pharmacological treatment options. We present the design for and discuss the feasibility of a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of a multimodal manual therapy (MT) treatment compared to usual care by the general practitioner (GP) for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.

Methods

Eligible participants will be recruited in primary care using the International Classification of Headache Disorders III criteria for migraine of the International Headache Society. Participants will be randomized to either multimodal MT treatment or usual care provided by the GP. GPs will be asked to treat the usual care group according to the Dutch GP guideline for headache. The multimodal MT intervention will include manual pressure techniques, neck muscle-strength exercises and mobilization of the cervical and thoracic spine.

The trial will consist of a 12-week treatment period and follow-up measurements at 12, 26 and 52 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the number of migraine days per 4 weeks, assessed with a headache diary. Secondary outcome measures are the number of migraine attacks, medication use, disability due to headache, headache intensity, number of participants reporting a 50% migraine reduction, measurement of cervical pressure pain thresholds, presence of allodynia, endurance of cervical flexor muscles, days of absence of work and global perceived effect.

Discussion

The results of the trial will show whether a multimodal MT intervention is an effective non-pharmacological treatment option for people with migraine.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Register,NL7504. Registered on 7 February 2019.
Correction to: A manual-based family intervention for families living with the consequences of traumatic injury to the brain or spinal cord: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Soendergaard Pernille Langer , Wolffbrandt Mia Moth , Biering-Sørensen Fin , Nordin Malin , Schow Trine , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Norup Anne
Published: December 2019

After publication of our article [1] we were notified that a few duplicate sentences were included on page 7 of the manuscript.
Enzymatic sugar production from elephant grass and reed straw through pretreatments and hydrolysis with addition of thioredoxin-His-S
Authors: Lu Xianqin , Li Can , Zhang Shengkui , Wang Xiaohan , Zhang Wenqing , Wang Shouguo , Xia Tao
Published: December 2019

Background

The bioconversion of lignocellulose to fermentable C5/C6-saccharides is composed of pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Lignin, as one of the main components, resists lignocellulose to be bio-digested. Alkali and organosolv treatments were reported to be able to delignify feedstocks and loose lignocellulose structure. In addition, the use of additives was an alternative way to block lignin and reduce the binding of cellulases to lignin during hydrolysis. However, the relatively high cost of these additives limits their commercial application.

Results

This study explored the feasibility of using elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and reed straw (Phragmites australis), both of which are important fibrous plants with high biomass, no-occupation of cultivated land, and soil phytoremediation, as feedstocks for bio-saccharification. Compared with typical agricultural residues, elephant grass and reed straw contained high contents of cellulose and hemicellulose. However, lignin droplets on the surface of elephant grass and the high lignin content in reed straw limited their hydrolysis performances. High hydrolysis yield was obtained for reed straw after organosolv and alkali pretreatments via increasing cellulose content and removing lignin. However, the hydrolysis of elephant grass was only enhanced by organosolv pretreatment. Further study showed that the addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) or thioredoxin with His- and S-Tags (Trx-His-S) improved the hydrolysis of alkali-pretreated elephant grass. In particular, Trx-His-S was first used as an additive in lignocellulose saccharification. Its structural and catalytic properties were supposed to be beneficial for enzymatic hydrolysis.

Conclusions

Elephant grass and reed straw could be used as feedstocks for bioconversion. Organosolv and alkali pretreatments improved their enzymatic sugar production; however, the increase in hydrolysis yield of pretreated elephant grass was not as effective as that of reed straw. During the hydrolysis of alkali-pretreated elephant grass, Trx-His-S performed well as additive, and its structural and catalytic capability was beneficial for enzymatic hydrolysis.
Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal band, and skin (POEMS) changes syndrome presenting with a pseudosensory level: a case report
Authors: Paranavitane Shiran , Gooneratne Lallindra , Chang Thashi
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Polyneuropathy is a key feature of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal band, and skin changes syndrome, which is a paraneoplastic manifestation of an underlying lymphoproliferative neoplasm. We report the first case of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal band, and skin changes syndrome presenting with a pseudosensory level.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old Tamil woman with long-standing diabetes mellitus and hypertension developed painless, progressive inguinal lymphadenopathy. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan showed mild hepatomegaly and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. A histological examination of an enlarged inguinal lymph node showed features of a plasma cell-type Castleman disease. She was treated with rituximab. Six months later, she developed gradually ascending numbness and weakness of both lower limbs. On examination, she had flaccid paraparesis (power 3/5) with a sensory level to pinprick at thoracic level 9. Joint position sense was preserved. Her cranial nerves and upper limbs were neurologically normal. Nerve conduction studies confirmed peripheral neuropathy with conduction slowing and a magnetic resonance imaging of her spine did not show cord or root compression. Serum protein electrophoresis showed a monoclonal band. A bone marrow biopsy showed a hypercellular marrow with 30% plasma cells. A repeat contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan showed sclerotic bony lesions involving multiple vertebrae in addition to mild hepatomegaly and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal band, and skin changes syndrome was diagnosed and she was treated with intravenously administered pulse therapy of dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide. After three cycles of treatment, she regained normal muscle power and sensation.

Conclusions

Polyneuropathy in polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal band, and skin changes syndrome can present as a pseudosensory level.
Association between fibrinogen receptor (Glycoprotein IIb) polymorphism and the risk of venous thromboembolism: a systematic review
Authors: Rezaei Dezaki Zahra , Bagheri Raihaneh , Pourgheysari Batoul
Published: December 2019

Background

The fibrinogen receptor is an integrin on the platelet surface and is shaped from two types of glycoprotein (GP) subunits, GPIIb and GPIIIa. Membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa plays an important role in platelet function. The gene encoding the glycoprotein IIIa shows a common polymorphism, PLA2 that increases the binding of the receptor to fibrinogen and enhances the platelet aggregation. The clinical impact of PLA2 polymorphism has been studied in some diseases, but the definition of its exact role on venous thromboembolism complications has been challenging. The present systematic review aimed to clarify the association of PLA2 polymorphism and venous thromboembolism.

Main text

In this study, Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched. All the assessed studies focused on the relationship between PLA2 polymorphism and venous thromboembolism. Five studies were eligible for systematic review. One study revealed a significant correlation between PLA2 polymorphism and venous thromboembolism. PLA2 polymorphism was associated with deep vein thrombosis in one study and pulmonary thromboembolism in another one.

Conclusion

The published data supported the hypothesis that having the PLA2 polymorphism of GPIIIa may be a risk factor for venous thromboembolism, but the association cannot be concluded; it needs more clinical investigation.
Correlation between prediabetes and coronary artery disease severity in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography
Authors: Muhammed Ahmed , Zaki Mohamed Tarek , Elserafy Ahmed Shawky , Amin Sameh Attia
Published: December 2019

Background

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is responsible for a high rate of morbidity and mortality which can be attributed to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Diabetes is heralded by prediabetes which not only indicates a higher risk of developing diabetes but also increases the burden of cardiovascular disease. The objective was to observe the effect of prediabetes on the severity of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. Seven hundred and thirty-one patients were admitted for elective coronary angiography and/or PCI starting from September 2017 to August 2018. Patients were divided into group A (normoglycemic group, N = 228), group B (prediabetes group, N = 177), and group C (diabetic group, N = 326). Coronary artery disease (CAD) severity including number of vessels affected and atherosclerotic burden by Gensini score were compared among different groups.

Results

The number of vessels affected as well as left main (LM) disease was higher in the prediabetes group when compared to the normoglycemic group (P,=0.001, P = 0.009, respectively) and was comparable to the diabetes group (P = 0.4, P = 0.6, respectively). Prediabetes showed a Gensini score higher than the normoglycemic group (P = 0.0001) with no significant difference when compared to the diabetic group (P = 0.9).

Conclusion

Prediabetes is associated with high atherosclerotic burden and coronary artery disease complexity that is similar to diabetic than normoglycemic individuals.
Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery: Preoperative, Intraoperative, and Postoperative Aspects, Implications, and Directions
Authors: Ruetzler Kurt , Khanna Ashish K. , Sessler Daniel I.
Published: December 2019

Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) differs from myocardial infarction in being defined by troponin elevation apparently from cardiac ischemia with or without signs and symptoms. Such myocardial injury is common, silent, and strongly associated with mortality. MINS is usually asymptomatic and only detected by routine troponin monitoring. There is currently no known safe and effective prophylaxis for perioperative myocardial injury. However, appropriate preoperative screening may help guide proactive postoperative preventative actions. Intraoperative hypotension is associated with myocardial injury, acute kidney injury, and death. Hypotension is common and largely undetected in the postoperative general care floor setting, and independently associated with myocardial injury and mortality. Critical care patients are especially sensitive to hypotension, and the risk appears to be present at blood pressures previously regarded as normal. Tachycardia appears to be less important. Available information suggests that clinicians would be prudent to avoid perioperative hypotension.
Problem solving in type 1 diabetes for primary care nurses–part 2
Authors: Morris David
Published: December 2019

In the second part of this series, David Morris answers more questions around treating patients with T1DM
Examining the effects of stress on the driving abilities of paramedic students
Authors: Duncliffe Trevor Hines , D'Angelo Brittany , Brock Michael , Fraser Cal , Lamarra Jake , Austin Nick , Pusateri Matt , Batt Alan
Published: December 2019

Background:

Research has suggested that stress may have a negative effect on paramedics' clinical performance. Stress has also been demonstrated to negatively affect the driving abilities of the general population, increasing the number of driving errors. However, no studies have explored stress and its potential impact on the non-clinical performance of paramedics, particularly their driving abilities.

Methods:

Paramedic students underwent emergency driving assessment in a driving simulator before and after exposure to a stressful medical scenario. The number and type of errors were documented before and after through the use of both driving simulator software and observation by two members of the research team. The NASA Task Load Index (TLX) was used to record self-reported stress levels.

Results:

Thirty-six students participated in the study. Following exposure to a stressful medical scenario, paramedic students had no rise in overall error rate, but demonstrated increases in three critical driving errors: namely, failure to wear a seat belt (three baseline versus 10 after stress); failing to stop for red lights or stop signs (seven versus 35); and losing control of the vehicle (two versus 11). Self-reported stress levels also increased after the clinical scenario, particularly in the area of mental (cognitive) demand.

Conclusion:

Paramedics are routinely exposed to acute stress in their everyday work, and this stress could affect their non-clinical performance. The critical errors committed by participants in the present study closely matched those considered to be contributory factors in many ambulance collisions. These results illustrate the need for further research into the effects of stress on non-clinical performance in general, and highlight the potential need to consider additional driver training and stress management education to mitigate the frequency and severity of driving errors among paramedics.
Photonic independent component analysis using an on-chip microring weight bank
Authors: Ma Philip Y. , Tait Alexander N. , de Lima Thomas Ferreira , Huang Chaoran , Shastri Bhavin J. , Prucnal Paul R.
Published: December 2019

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a general-purpose technique for analyzing multi-dimensional data to reveal the underlying hidden factors that are maximally independent from each other. We report the first photonic ICA on mixtures of unknown signals by employing an on-chip microring (MRR) weight bank. The MRR weight bank performs so-called weighted addition (i.e., multiply-accumulate) operations on the received mixtures, and outputs a single reduced-dimensional representation of the signal of interest. We propose a novel ICA algorithm to recover independent components solely based on the statistical information of the weighted addition output, while remaining blind to not only the original sources but also the waveform information of the mixtures. We investigate both channel separability and near-far problems, and our two-channel photonic ICA experiment demonstrates our scheme holds comparable performance with the conventional software-based ICA method. Our numerical simulation validates the fidelity of the proposed approach, and studies noise effects to identify the operating regime of our method. The proposed technique could open new domains for future research in blind source separation, microwave photonics, and on-chip information processing.
A “Pacificação” de acordo com o Diretório Pombalino e sua realidade nos aldeamentos de Maria I E São José De Mossâmedes
Authors: Gabriel Zissi Peres Asnis
Published: December 2019

O artigo busca desconstruir a imagem de que os aldeamentos de Maria I e São José de Mossâmedes construídos na antiga capitania de Goiás, no século XVIII, sob as exigências do Diretório pombalino, tiveram como pressuposto a “pacificação” da relação entre agentes coloniais e populações indígenas que habitavam o Brasil central – mais especificadamente os “Cayapó” descritos na documentação histórica –. A “pacificação” no período colonial, de acordo com João Pacheco de Oliveira Filho (2016), tinha o objetivo de fazer surgir um “novo índio”, cristão e súdito fiel do rei de Portugal, além de servir como mão-de-obra para os interesses econômicos da coroa. Ou seja, a premissa da “pacificação” nada mais era do que a de impor um modelo cultural para os indígenas, que receberiam em troca o “cessar fogo” dos ataques que vinham sofrendo desde o primeiro contato, em 1723. Em contrapartida, buscar-se-á compreender como que o conceito da “pacificação” foi apropriado por esses grupos denominados “Cayapó” para a concretização de seus próprios interesses. Veremos que se antes da construção dos aldeamentos essas populações seguiam uma lógica da guerra para aquisição de bens materiais e culturais, ou seja, uma prática da estrutura, agora passa a haver uma estrutura da prática, tal como teorizado por Marshall Sahlins (1990; 2008), em que novas formas de se relacionarem com a alteridade entram em jogo, causando uma redefinição da guerra para ambos os lados, sendo esse o ponto chave do trabalho.
História, espaços e resistências: a territorialidade indígena a partir da experiência zapatista
Authors: Rodrigo de Morais Guerra
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo realçar as lutas indígenas a partir da conformação de territorialidades de resistência como recurso frente aos avanços neoliberais, para isso, propomos uma reflexão teórica acerca do conceito de espaço e das relações sociais que incidem sobre tal categoria. Tomando como referência a experiência dos indígenas zapatistas, no México, percebemos como o território, para além de uma configuração a priori e naturalizada, responde à relações de poder, estando, diretamente, vinculado à história e à experiência dos sujeitos que o vivenciam. A partir da explanação dos conceitos de lugar, território social, e cosmografia, nos debruçamos sobre o espaço e buscamos compreendê-lo como um aspecto protagonista na construção da história dos povos indígenas, bem como de suas culturas, identidades e resistências.
A festa do Senhor dos Passos em São Cristóvão/SE, a partir das memórias de Dona Neném
Authors: Ivan Rêgo Aragão  , Hermeson Alves de Menezes
Published: December 2019

Memória, elemento chave que traz para atualidade acontecimentos passados vêm sendo utilizada como ferramenta de trabalho e suporte para a pesquisa do historiador. Pessoas em idades avançadas além do conhecimento de vida, traz em suas lembranças, fatos vivenciados que são registros cotidianos, traduzindo costumes sociais de diversas fases da vida. Sendo assim, a partir da pesquisa bibliográfica, trabalho de campo para escuta e posterior transcrição da fala da depoente o presente artigo visa expôr as memórias de Maria Luiza dos Santos, mais conhecida como D. Neném. Estas memórias estão vinculadas à Festa do Senhor dos Passos. O texto em questão analisa mudanças e recorrências na comemoração religiosa a partir das lembranças de uma fonte oral e verifica quais memórias relativas aos aspectos da Festa do Senhor dos Passos são priorizadas pela depoente anciã. Dona Neném ao expor suas lembranças, selecionadas a partir do roteiro de perguntas traz à luz fatos da comemoração do Senhor dos Passos na cidade de São Cristóvão passiveis de serem verificados como mudanças e permanências ao longo do século XX e primerios anos do XXI.
Kelekatan Anak Keluarga Tenaga Kerja Wanita
Authors: Fatkhurohmah Dian , Karim Muhammad Busyro , Nisa Titin Faridatun
Published: December 2019

This study aims to determine the attachment of children in the family of female workers in father’s parenting style, social interaction of children with mothers, and attachment of children to mothers. This research wan conducted in the village of sumbersari, Udanawu District, Blitar Regency. East Java. It is consisting of two families which were used as research, there are 4 informants (2 fathers and 2 relatives) and 2 boys. This study used a qualitative approach, with descriptive methods. Data collection techniques used observation, interview, and documentation techniques. This research used data analysis procedure of Miles and Hubermen. The results explain that the form of parenting given by the father to the child according to the stage of child development. The attachment of children to women in the status of female workers showed a difference between the two subjects. The first subjects had attachment to the mother, while the second subject lacked attachment to the mother. The social interaction between mother and child also goes well.
Penerapan Pendekatan Saintifik dalam Mengembangkan Berpikir logis Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun di RA Takrimah Tungkop Aceh Besar
Authors: Dista Fitrah Nabila
Published: December 2019

The problems in Raudhatul Athfal Takrimah Tungkop Aceh Besar are children have not been able in the development of logical reasoning, laying out, spelling out, sorting objects and classification according to (size, shape, number, etc.), and drawing logical conclusions, which is related to logical thinking. The purpose of this study are: (a) To determine the development of logical thinking of children aged 5-6 years at RA Takrimah Tungkop Aceh Besar with a scientific approach and (b) To determine the ability of teachers to apply scientific approaches to develop logical thinking of children aged 5-6 years at RA Takrimah Tungkop Aceh Besar. The research conducted was Classroom Action Research. The results showed that (a) The development of logical thinking in cycle I was 39%, and an increase in cycle II with a percentage of 78%. (b) The ability of teachers to apply the scientific approach in the first cycle is 54%, and an increase in cycle II with a percentage of 80%. The final results of the study showed that the application of a scientific approach could develop logical thinking at RA Takrimah Tungkop Aceh Besar
Challenges and Practices of Research Data Management in Selected Iraq Universities
Authors: Mohammed Mahdi Salah , Ibrahim Rafea
Published: December 2019

Research emphasises the fundamental role of research data management (RDM) in enhancing academic and scientific research. This paper intended to examine RDM in Iraqi Universities, identify the current challenges of RDM and propose influential RDM practices. Data collection employed a self-administered questionnaires distributed to 155 postgraduate students and 20 faculty members from five universities in Iraq. Research findings revealed that there is a lack of proper RDM. Postgraduate students and researchers were managing their own research data. Main challenges of maintaining a good RDM involve lack of guidelines on effective RDM practices, insufficient of adequate human resources, technological obsolescence, insecure and inefficient infrastructure, lack of financial resources, absence of research data management policies and lack of support by institutional authorities and researchers negatively influenced on research data management. Postgraduate students and researchers recommend building research data repositories and collaboration with other universities and research organisations.
Polymorphism of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG)|SacII gene and its association to milk protein and milk production in Saanen goats
Authors: Ambarwati R. , Sutopo S. , Kurnianto E.
Published: December 2019

The objectives of this study were to analyze and identify the β-LG genotype and examine its association with milk protein and milk production of Saanen goats. Materials used in this study were DNA that originated from 22 Saanen does and its milk protein and milk production recording that was taken at 2,5; 3,0; 3,5 and 4,0 years old of Saanen does. DNA was analyzed using PCR-RFLP method with SacII restriction enzyme to identify genotype of B-LG gene and then were sequenced for each genotype. Sequencing data was analyzed using Clustal W in MEGA7.0, while association of B-LG gene genotype with milk protein and milk production was analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM) in SAS 9.0. The results showed that two alleles (A and G), forming two homozygous genotypes (AA and GG) and one heterozygous genotype (AG) were found, but there were no significant different within genotype on milk protein and milk production. In conclusion, there was no association between β-LG genotype and milk protein and milk production of Saanen goats.
Fat deposition of broiler chickens fed a high-fat diet contained Sauropus androgynus leaf extract plus turmeric powder
Authors: Kususiyah K. , Santoso U. , Fenita Y. , Putranto A. M. H. , Suharyanto S.
Published: December 2019

A factorial design was used to analyzethe influenceofSauropus androgynusleaf extract (SALE) and turmeric powder (TP) on fat deposition in broilers fed high-fat diet. The first factor was the source of fat (6% beef fat and 6% palm oil), and the second factor was SALE plus TP [0 g SALE plus 0 g TP (G1), 9 g SALE plus 0.5 g TP (G2), 18 g SALE plus 0.5 g TP (G3), 9 g SALE plus 1 g TP (G4), 18 g SALE plus 1 g TP (G5)]. SALE plus TP affected cholesterol,lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid contents (p<0.01).Fat sources affected fat, cholesterol, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (p<0.01). There was a significant interaction between the two factorson fat, cholesterol, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid contents. In conclusion, 18 g SALE plus 1 g TP supplementation to high-fat diet resulted in lower stearic acid, but it resulted in higher eicosapentaenoic acid. Supplementation of SALEplus TPto a high-fat diet lowered cholesterol content and changed fatty acidscomposition.
Business sustainability model of smallholder layer farms in Kendal Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sofyan A. , Suprijatna E. , Santoso S. I. , Setiadi A.
Published: December 2019

This study was aimed to analyze factors and models of business sustainability of smallholder layer farms in Kendal Regency, Indonesia. Purposive sampling method was used to select 120 active layer chicken farmers in Sukorejo, Pageruyung, Patean, Limbangan, and Boja Districts as research respondents with the ownership of 300 to 10,000 birds. Research variables consisted of three external variables (social, economic, and institutional) and two internal variables (income and business sustainability). Closed questionnaires were used to collect data. The data were analyzed descriptively using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) by AMOS 21 software. The results showed that the exogenous and endogenous variables met the modeling criteria with Chi square value = 160.764; probability = 0.380; CMIN / DF = 1.031; GFI = 0.892; AGFI = 0.841; TLI = 0.998; CFI = 0.998; RMSEA = 0.016. Social, economic, institutional and income variables had a significant and positive influence (P≤0.05) on business sustainability. The constructed model had a strong and positive relationship, so it could illustrate the sustainability model of layer business in Kendal Regency.
Multiprofessional assessment of patients with chronic pain in primary healthcare
Authors: Lövsund Anneli , Stålnacke Britt-Marie , Stenberg Gunilla
Published: December 2019

Background and aims

Chronic pain is a common reason to seek health care. Multimodal rehabilitation is frequently used to rehabilitate patients with complex pain conditions. The multiprofessional assessment that patients go through before entering multimodal rehabilitation may, in itself, have a positive impact on patient outcome but little is known regarding patients own view. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to discover how patients experienced this multiprofessional assessment project.

Methods

Ten patients participating in a multiprofessional assessment at a primary healthcare centre in Western Finland were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the interviews.

Results

The analysis resulted in six categories of participant description of their multiprofessional assessment experiences and the rehabilitation plan they received. Feeling chosen or not quite fitting in was a category describing participant feelings upon starting the assessment. They expressed their thoughts on the examinations in the category more than just an examination. Being affirmed described participant desire to be taken seriously and treated well. Receiving support described the perceived roles of the team members. Participant negative experiences of the assessment were described in confusion and disappointment. Finally, in taking and receiving responsibilities, participants described their own role in the team.

Conclusions

Experiences of patients in a multiprofessional assessment were mostly positive. This highlights the value of a team assessment that takes several aspects of chronic pain into account when assessing complex patients.
On the Design of Patch Antenna Array
Authors: Abdulhamid Mohanad F. , Ndung’u Waihenya
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a coaxial fed patch antenna array for application in the 2.4GHz ISM band was implemented using the Ansoft HFSS software. Standard formulas were used to calculate different parameters of the antenna. These were just used as a basis of design as some parameters varied considerably during simulation. A good extent of the antenna design was hence done through trial and error. The proposed antenna was designed to work at 2.44GHz frequency band. A fractional bandwidth of 2.62%, which was not close to the desired 10% and a reflection coefficient of -18.2131dB were attained. This may have been brought about by poor impedance matching and a high level of spurious feed radiation and surface waves. A way of improving the bandwidth would have been to use proximity coupling feeding method which offers the highest bandwidth (as high as 13%) and is somewhat easy to model and has low spurious radiation. However, its fabrication would have been more difficult. A directivity of 8.53dB was achieved. This was a fairly high though directivity increase could have been studied through use of different substrate material and thickness.
Computer-Aided Standardisation for Manufacturing and Maintenance Activities
Authors: Pfeifer Marcel Rolf
Published: December 2019

The paper deals with the development and application of computer-aided standardisation (CAS) for the distribution of standardisation data of production and maintenance processes within the company network.

Rising integration pressure of company software tools also include CAx technologies. These CAx technologies provide software solutions for different applications, being able to work closely together with ERP-systems, Business Intelligence (BI) tools and further systems. The possibility of integration makes it also feasible to look on the CAS tool and its potential.

While CAS is a topic not yet fully discussed, future development may lead to the requirement of integrating the CAS with the ERP and planning system. Approaches, such as CIM, digital factories (DF) and Industry 4.0 benefit from a broader database available with the CAS system employed
Review Design of Slot Antenna Based on Ansoft HFSS Software
Authors: Abdulhamid Mohanad , Ochieng Eugene
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a micro-strip fed slot antenna array for application in the 2.4GHz industrial, scientific and medical(ISM) band is implemented using the Ansoft HFSS software. Standard formulas are used to calculate different antenna parameters. The proposed antenna is designed to work at 2.4GHz frequency band. A half power beam width(HPBW) of 57°. A bandwidth of around 7.7% is attained. This may have been brought about by poor impedance matching and a high level of surface waves. A way of improving the bandwidth would have been to use proximity coupling feeding method which offers the highest bandwidth and is somewhat easy to model and has low spurious radiation. However, its fabrication would have been more difficult. A directivity of 2.01 dB is achieved. This is a fairly high though directivity increase could have been studied through use of different substrate material and thickness. Adjusting length and width of narrow slot loop antenna will influence on the resonance frequency and bandwidth. By using HFSS software, the characteristics of antenna are investigated and analyzed, including voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), return loss and far field radiation patterns.
Do Narcissists Benefit from Materialistic Pursuits? Examining the Relation Between Narcissistic Tendencies, Extrinsic Goals, and Well-Being
Authors: Werner Kaitlyn M. , Smyth Aidan , Milyavskaya Marina
Published: December 2019

Past research consistently finds that the pursuit of extrinsic goals detracts from our happiness and well-being, and instead contributes to ill-being. Despite the robustness of this finding, recent research suggests that people with narcissistic tendencies are more likely to derive meaning from extrinsic goals. We conducted a high-powered (n = 576) pre-registered study to examine whether exhibiting higher narcissistic tendencies relates to perceiving materialistic pursuits as being more meaningful and how this in turn influences well-being. Results indicate that having greater narcissistic tendencies was positively associated with perceiving extrinsic goals as being more meaningful, which in turn negatively predicted subjective and eudaimonic well-being, and positively predicted depression. Overall, while it may be the case that people with narcissistic tendencies gain some hedonic benefits from materialistic pursuits, the pursuit of extrinsic goals is negatively related to well-being, as consistent with self-determination theory. All study materials, pre-registration, data, and code can be found at osf.io/8629d.