bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of shear strain induced by blasting waves in surface structures based on coupled frequency, velocity, and displacement effects
Authors: Nateghi Reza , Goshtasbi Kamran , Nejati Hamid Reza
Published: June 2020

Blasting ground vibration is an undesirable side effect of using explosives to fragment rocks. There is not any universally accepted standard to determine limitations of blast vibrations; however, velocity is the most commonly used method to measure ground vibrations. Because the structural response is highly frequency dependent, the frequency content is an essential characteristic of blast-induced shock waves along with the velocity. The magnitude of blast-induced displacement or velocity and their relative stress and strain are directly related to the quantity of charge, distance from blasting point, and geological conditions. These effects were not considered in the response spectrum theory of structures. This article tries to propose a new procedure to predict the shear displacement and relative strain for optimization of blasting patterns before the explosion. It can be accomplished by representing the effects of both velocity and frequency on the horizontal displacement of the structures based on measurements undertaken by the authors in two different rock formations. In this study, collected data were analyzed statistically to determine the coupled effects of dominant frequency, peak particle velocity, and peak particle displacement to propose a simple procedure for predicting the range of blast-induced displacement and related strain in structures.
Hospital Performance in the First 6 Years of Medicare’s Value-Based Purchasing Program
Authors: Carroll Nathan W. , Clement Jan P.
Published: June 2020

The Medicare value-based purchasing (VBP) program, ongoing since 2013, uses financial bonuses and penalties to incentivize hospital quality improvements. Previous research has identified characteristics of penalized hospitals, but has not examined characteristics of hospitals with improvements in VBP program performance or consistent good performance. We identify five different trajectories of program performance (improvement, decline, consistent good or poor performance, mixed). A total of 11% of hospitals were penalized every year of the program, 24% improved their VBP program performance, 14% of hospitals consistently earned a bonus, while 18% performed well in the program’s early years but experienced declines in performance. In 2013, organizational and community characteristics were associated with higher odds of improving relative to performing poorly every year. Few variables under managers’ control were associated with program improvement, though accountable care organization participation was in some models. We find changes in VBP program metrics may have contributed to improvement in some hospitals’ program scores.
Learning Organization for Corporate Social Responsibility Implementation: Unravelling the Intricate Relationship Between Organizational and Operational Learning Organization Characteristics
Authors: Osagie Eghe , Wesselink Renate , Blok Vincent , Mulder Martin
Published: June 2020

Because corporate social responsibility (CSR) is potentially beneficial for companies, it is important to understand the factors that improve a company’s CSR practice. Scholars hypothesize that facilitating learning organization characteristics, which are divided in characteristics at the organizational and the operational level, may improve CSR implementation. These characteristics stimulate companies and their members to be critical, learn from the past, and embrace change, but there is limited empirical evidence of this approach. This study addresses this gap by surveying 280 CSR professionals and performing bootstrap mediation analyses to test multiple hypotheses. Learning organization characteristics at the organizational level, play a key role in supporting CSR implementation: leadership for learning, system connection, and group learning show a direct relationship with CSR implementation. It is striking that the role of the learning organization characteristics at the operational level is only indirect; the organizational characteristics mediate their relationship with CSR implementation.
“General Frost”: A Nature-Based Solution and Adventure Tourism: A Case Study of Snowshoeing in Siberia
Authors: Jirásek Ivo , Hanuš Miroslav
Published: June 2020

Adventure tourism activities are deeply connected with risk situations. Therefore, adequate risk management has to be a necessary part of this segment of tourism. A nature-based solution is seen as a very effective approach here. Using the form of an autoethnographic case study and feedback from participants’ interviews and mind maps, the article discusses the possibilities that snowshoeing and winter camping provide. This developing sport, recreation, and tourism should be classified as adventure tourism (mode of experiencing) and nature based tourism (traveling to natural environment). Climatic conditions, particularly severe frost, during the 2-week journey in Siberia greatly affected the choices and risk management of the group. Changes in the originally planned route according to weather conditions and possible reduction of risk may become examples of a NBS.
The role of sexual orientation, age, living arrangements and self-rated health in planning for end-of-life care for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) older people in the UK
Authors: Makita Meiko , Bahena Alejandro , Almack Kathryn
Published: June 2020

This article reports on findings from the quantitative phase of a two-year research project designed to explore end-of-life care experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We draw on a subset of the sample (N  = 180/237) to analyse the relationship between advance care planning, sexual orientation, living arrangements and self-rated health. The results contribute to a growing body of evidence on how sexual minorities approach and make decisions on advance care planning. A greater understanding of such patterns could help inform the way healthcare professionals engage in conversations about end-of-life care planning with older LGB people.
Effects of natural seawater and sea sand on the compressive behaviour of unconfined and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer-confined concrete
Authors: Chen Guangming , Liu Pochang , Jiang Tao , He Zhibiao , Wang Xiaomeng , Lam Lik , Chen Jian-Fei
Published: June 2020

This article presents an investigation into the effects of natural seawater and sea sand on the behaviour of unconfined and fibre-reinforced polymer-confined concrete. The experimental programme covered compression tests of a large number of standard concrete cylinders, which were prepared from the following four series of concrete: (1) the reference normal concrete, (2) sea-sand concrete, (3) seawater concrete (SwC), and (4) seawater sea-sand concrete. The concrete cylinders were either unconfined or confined with externally wrapped carbon fibre-reinforced polymer jackets to be tested at various ages from the early to the long term. This article presents the results of the first-phase tests, which covered a total of 48 specimens from the four series of concrete, with a half of them tested in the unconfined condition at the ages of 7 and 28 days, and another half tested with either one-ply or two-ply carbon fibre-reinforced polymer jackets at 28 days. The results show that at the ages of 7 and 28 days, the unconfined concrete specimens prepared with seawater and/or sea sand developed a slightly higher compressive strength, as compared to those prepared from normal concrete. When confined with carbon fibre-reinforced polymer jackets, the compressive stress–strain responses of concrete with or without seawater and/or sea sand were very similar. The use of seawater and sea sand did not seem to have significant effects on the compressive strength, ultimate axial strain and stress–strain responses of confined concrete, and the ultimate strain capacity of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer jackets neither. The test results were also compared with the predictions of an existing analysis-oriented stress–strain model for fibre-reinforced polymer-confined concrete. It is shown that the compressive strength, ultimate axial strain, stress–strain responses and dilation behaviour of the carbon fibre-reinforced polymer-confined concrete with or without seawater/sea sand can be reasonably well predicted.
Flexural vibration band gaps in periodic Timoshenko beams with oscillators in series resting on flexible supports
Authors: Ding Lan , Ye Zhi , Wu Qiao-Yun
Published: June 2020

The propagation properties of waves in Timoshenko beams resting on flexible supports and with periodically attached harmonic locally resonant oscillators are studied by the transfer matrix methodology. Through calculating the differential equations of the beam for the flexible vibration and the dynamic equations of the oscillators in series, the matrix of dynamic stiffness and the resulting transfer matrix are derived. Accordingly, the band gap in infinite system characterized by the propagation constant can be verified by comparing to the curve of transmission property, determined with the finite element method for the finite system. The mechanism of each band gap formation is further explored. Numerical results show that different from the single degree-of-freedom mass-spring model, one more locally resonant band gap is generated in the system of two oscillators in series. The introduction of flexible supports, allowing for variable internal coupling between the adjacent cells, produces an extra band gap with a minimum frequency of zero. It is also found that the starting frequencies of the locally resonant gaps are related to the spring stiffness and mass of the oscillator. Therefore, the positions and widths of the band gaps can be tuned by properly adjusting the four parameters of the oscillators and also the stiffness of the flexible supports.
Comparison of common machine learning algorithms trained with multi-zone models for identifying the location and strength of indoor pollutant sources
Authors: Huang Yu , Gao Zhi , Zhang Hongguang
Published: June 2020

The accurate identification of the characteristics of pollutant sources can effectively prevent the loss of human life and property damage caused by the sudden release of harmful chemicals in emergency situations. Machine learning algorithms, artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbour (KNN) and naive Bayesian (NB) classification can be used to identify the location of pollutant sources with limited sensor data inputs. In this study, the identification accuracy of the four above-mentioned machine learning algorithms was investigated and compared, considering the different sensor layouts, eigenvector inputs, meteorological parameters and number of samples. The results show that the collection of pollutant concentrations over an extended period of time could improve identification accuracy. Additional sensors were required to reach the same identification accuracy after the introduction of distributed meteorological parameters. Increasing the number of trained samples by a factor of five improved the identification accuracy of KNN by 22% and that of SVM by 1.7%; however, ANN and NB classification remained basically unchanged. When identifying the release mass of the pollutant source, multiple linear, ANN and SVM regression models were adopted. Results show that ANN performs best, whereas SVM provides the least optimal performance.
Behind the French controversy over the medical treatment of Covid-19: The role of the drug industry
Authors: Mucchielli Laurent
Published: June 2020

This article explores the stakes of the very intense controversy that has developed in France around the medical treatment of Covid-19 (which finds some parallels in the United States of America). It centres on the therapeutic proposal of a Marseilles doctor, who has become a very divisive ‘star’ in public debates over the efficacy of treatment. The author shows that competition between this doctor’s proposal and the commercial hopes of a major pharmaceutical company plays an important role. This company has managed to create links of interest with many other major doctors, some of whom are at the heart of the decision-making process concerning the management of the health crisis. Finally, the author places this episode within the broader question of the hold the drug industry has on scientific production within the medical field. The interdependence between health authorities and the pharmaceutical industry is anything but healthy. The Covid-19 debate conforms to a well-worn pattern of behaviour: public backlash over the transgressions of wealthy corporate actors, government regulatory responses insisting on greater levels of transparency, corporate circumvention of said regulations, resulting in the continuation of fraud and corruption.
Surveying journalists in the “New Normal”: Considerations and recommendations
Authors: Molyneux Logan , Zamith Rodrigo
Published: June 2020

As journalism undergoes widespread changes, it finds itself in a ‘new normal’. Research seeking to understand these changes by surveying journalists faces new methodological hurdles that span different stages of the survey process. This article identifies the key contemporary challenges when it comes to sampling, instrument design, and distribution. Best research practices in identifying a target population, sampling, selecting or developing measures, and maximizing the likelihood of participation are presented and discussed. Advice is also offered to help peer reviewers identify common shortcomings in surveys of journalists and encourage authors to engage with the limitations of their work.
Mexican-American preschoolers as co-creators of zones of proximal development during retellings of culturally relevant stories: A participatory study
Authors: García-Alvarado Socorro , Arreguín María Guadalupe , Ruiz-Escalante José Agustín
Published: June 2020

This study explores communication and retelling skills that are revealed after Mexican-American preschoolers engaged in culturally sensitive read alouds. Participants, highlighted in this article, included two four-year-old preschool children in a Spanish/English dual language classroom. The children selected culturally relevant texts and engaged in story retellings with their respective parent. The findings indicate that children co-constructed Zones of Proximal Development (ZPDs) in response to their parents' caring moves. Participants responded as cared-fors and carers as evident in their use of memorization skills and attention to detail to appropriate vocabulary and effectively retell a story. Additionally, preschoolers extended their ZPDs through imagination and inferencing by inserting events into the narrative and reading between the lines to expand and enrich the original stories. These findings have implications for reframing the way in which educators capitalize on young children's communication skills.
Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and obstructive sleep apnoea in a Chinese population: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Jian , Chen Jiming , Li Yilu , Zhang Dandan , Li Xiaoli
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Many studies have investigated the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, few have confirmed the relationship between ACE and OSA in the Chinese population. We performed a meta-analysis of studies relating the ACE I/D polymorphism to the risk of OSA in a Chinese population.

Methods:

We evaluated eligible published studies from several databases for this meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed for hypertension. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a fixed- or random-effects model.

Results:

Ten studies were identified to analyse the association between ACE I/D polymorphism and OSA risk. No marked associations were found in any genetic model ( p>0.05). Subgroup analysis showed an association with hypertension (D vs. I, DD vs. II, ID vs. DD+II, DD+ID vs. II, ID vs. II; p<0.05), which was confirmed by sensitivity analyses. No obvious publication bias was found using Egger’s test ( p>0.05).

Conclusions:

The ACE I/D polymorphism was not associated with an increased risk of OSA in a Chinese population. However, within the hypertensive subgroup, we detected a significant association between the ACE polymorphism and OSA. More case-control investigations are required.
Impact of low fasting plasma glucose on mortality in the general population
Authors: Chevli Parag A , Ahmad Muhammad Imtiaz , Hari Krupal , Anees Muhammad Ali , Soliman Elsayed Z
Published: June 2020

Background:

While the association between hypoglycaemia and poor outcomes in diabetes is well established, it is unclear whether such an association is generalizable to those without diabetes.

Methods:

A total of 8497 participants free of cardiovascular disease and diabetes from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. We examined the relationship between baseline low (<80 mg/dL) and high (⩾126 mg/dL) fasting plasma glucose compared to normal levels (80–99 mg/dL).

Results:

Over a median follow-up of 14 years, 2101 deaths occurred, of which 570 were due to cardiovascular disease. In a model adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular disease risk factors, individuals with low fasting plasma glucose were at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality [hazard ratio = 1.79 (95% confidence interval = 1.04–3.08) and hazard ratio = 1.35 (95% confidence interval = 1.02–1.78), respectively], compared to those with normal fasting plasma glucose. These associations were stronger among men than women for both cardiovascular disease mortality and all-cause mortality.

Conclusion:

Low fasting plasma glucose in individuals without diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, especially in men.
Comparison of Physician-Modified Fenestrated/Branched Stent-Grafts and Hybrid Visceral Debranching Plus Stent-Graft Placement for Complex Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Yang Guangmin , Zhang Ming , Muzepper Mehmutjan , Du Xiaolong , Wang Wei , Liu Cheng , Qiao Tong , Zhou Min , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the immediate postoperative and midterm outcomes of complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) treatment with fenestrated/branched physician-modified endovascular grafts (PMEGs) or open debranching of the visceral aorta with bypass graft revascularization plus endovascular aneurysm exclusion (hybrid repair). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 88 patients (mean age 70.0±10.6 years; 73 men) with complex TAAAs who underwent treatment with PMEGs (60, 68%) or a hybrid technique (28, 32%) between 2016 and 2019. The mean aneurysm diameter was 64.5±11.7 mm, and 37 patients (42%) were symptomatic. The Zenith TX2 and Ankura were the main stent-grafts used in the PMEG group. The hybrid technique involved visceral debranching with extra-anatomical bypass graft revascularization and subsequent stent-graft deployment (1- or 2-stage procedure). Results: In the PMEG group, 35 patients received modified stent-grafts with 4 fenestrations, 8 patients had 4 branches per device, and 17 patients had combinations (50 fenestrations and 18 branches) that successfully revascularized 228 of the 240 targets (95%). In the 28 hybrid cases, all 110 target vessels were successfully revascularized with bypass grafts. The overall 30-day mortality was 3.4% (2 PMEG and 1 hybrid), and the early rate of target vessel stenosis/occlusion was 3.3% (5 in PMEG group and 6 in the hybrid repair group). The 30-day morbidity was mainly attributed to pulmonary complications (15%), lower limb ischemia (8%), or spinal cord ischemia with paraplegia (6%). Eleven patients (13%) had deteriorated renal function with a >30% decrease in the glomerular filtration rate. The mean follow-up was 22.3±4.9 months, and mortality was 4.5% (3.3% in the PMEG group vs 7.1% in the hybrid repair group). Conclusion: PMEGs and hybrid techniques seem to be feasible treatment options for aortic aneurysms necessitating visceral vessel revascularization. PMEGs may have a lower morbidity than the hybrid technique, which nonetheless remains an important option available for complex aortic aneurysms.
Influence of CYP3A5 Genetic Polymorphism on Long-Term Renal Function in Chinese Kidney Transplant Recipients Using Limited Sampling Strategy and Abbreviated Area Under the Curve for Tacrolimus Monitoring
Authors: Cheung Chi Yuen , Chan Koon Ming , Wong Yuen Ting , Chak Wai Leung , Bekers Otto , van Hooff Johannes P.
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Although the association between CYP3A5 gene polymorphism and tacrolimus dosing requirements was well established, the impact on how CYP3A5 genotype affects the acute rejection and long-term renal function in patients who received kidney transplants and were treated with tacrolimus remained controversial.

Design:

Sixty-seven Chinese patients with kidney transplants receiving de novo tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy with known CYP3A5 genotype were divided into 2 groups. Those with at least 1 CYP3A5*1 allele were CYP3A5 expressers while homozygotes for the mutant allele CYP3A5*3 were nonexpressers. Instead of trough level, our center used abbreviated area under the curve for tacrolimus monitoring. Primary outcome was the long-term renal function between both groups while secondary outcomes included the weight-adjusted daily tacrolimus dose, graft survival, incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), opportunistic infection, and cancer.

Results:

Thirty-five (52.2%) patients were CYP3A5 expressers while 32 were nonexpressers. Mean daily tacrolimus dose in the CYP3A5 expressers and nonexpressers was 0.08 (0.03) and 0.05 (0.02) mg/kg, respectively ( P < .01). Starting from 1-month posttransplant, the renal function was comparable between both groups, which persisted up to 10-year. Ten patients experienced BPAR rejection and there was no significant difference in the rejection-free survival between both groups ( P = .87). There was also no significant difference in the death-censored graft survival between both groups ( P = .86). Finally, the incidence of opportunistic infection and posttransplant cancer was similar between them.

Discussion:

There was no significant difference in renal function, graft survival, and acute rejection between CYP3A5 expressers and nonexpressers.
Re-envisioning Emergency Food Systems Using Photovoice and Concept Mapping
Authors: Shannon Jerry , Borron Abigail , Kurtz Hilda , Weaver Alexis
Published: June 2020

Researchers engaging in participatory planning initiatives can enhance participant involvement by using concept mapping integrated with photo-elicitation. Focusing on a research collaboration between the University of Georgia and the Atlanta Community Food Bank, our research used these methods to identify sources of instability for food insecure households and generate new program ideas. Our results underscore clients’ capacity for procuring food and providing input on pantry policies. The productive conversations facilitated through this process also demonstrate the need for stronger communication between pantry staff and clientele. This article makes a unique contribution to mixed methods research by demonstrating how an integrative research design can support communities of inquiry and participatory research that identifies obstacles faced by low-income households.
Autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance of an omnidirectional mobile robot using swarm optimization and sensors deployment
Authors: Ajeil Fatin Hassan , Ibraheem Ibraheem Kasim , Azar Ahmad Taher , Humaidi Amjad J
Published: June 2020

The present work deals with the design of intelligent path planning algorithms for a mobile robot in static and dynamic environments based on swarm intelligence optimization. Two modifications are suggested to improve the searching process of the standard bat algorithm with the result of two novel algorithms. The first algorithm is a Modified Frequency Bat algorithm, and the second is a hybridization between the Particle Swarm Optimization with the Modified Frequency Bat algorithm, namely, the Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization-Modified Frequency Bat algorithm. Both Modified Frequency Bat and Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization-Modified Frequency Bat algorithms have been integrated with a proposed technique for obstacle detection and avoidance and are applied to different static and dynamic environments using free-space modeling. Moreover, a new procedure is proposed to convert the infeasible solutions suggested via path the proposed swarm-inspired optimization-based path planning algorithm into feasible ones. The simulations are run in MATLAB environment to test the validation of the suggested algorithms. They have shown that the proposed path planning algorithms result in superior performance by finding the shortest and smoothest collision-free path under various static and dynamic scenarios.
Successful and effective schools: Bridging the gap
Authors: Pashiardis Petros , Johansson Olof
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of this paper is to examine perspectives of successful and effective leadership as well as successful and effective schools in an effort to uncover the governance interventions which produce one or the other characterization. This examination is undertaken through the utilization of two guiding frameworks: the Pashiardis-Brauckmann Holistic Leadership Framework and the Bredeson and Johansson framework for principals’ functions. Additionally, views on success and effectiveness from around the world are utilized. Following this, in this theoretically focused paper we make the argument that successful schools institutionalize the right processes in order to achieve and sustain the desired results and thus become effective. Then, in an effort to bring context into the equation, we discuss what the context is for each education system and student and if schools can make up for the deficiencies of a student’s individual context. We end our discussion by stressing the fact that researchers, through their work, can inspire teachers and principals with their (often) simple descriptions of complex school improvement processes. These descriptions have a profound effect on the applied pedagogical work in schools, which is sometimes more influential than national policy decisions and educational reforms.
The reduction of concomitant glucocorticoids dosage following treatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist in adult onset Still’s disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Ruscitti Piero , Ursini Francesco , Sota Jurgen , De Giorgio Roberto , Cantarini Luca , Giacomelli Roberto
Published: June 2020

Background:

Despite being burdened by significant adverse events, glucocorticoids (GCs) are frequently employed in managing adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD), prompting the need for GC-sparing agents. In this work, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the evidence about the reduction of concomitant GCs dosage and the rate of GCs discontinuation in patients with AOSD who were treated with anakinra, a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was completed to identify all available data concerning the reduction of concomitant GCs dosage following anakinra in AOSD and a meta-analysis was thus performed using a random-effects model.

Results:

A significant reduction of the GCs dosage was detected by pooled analysis with mean difference of –22.4 mg/day [95% confidence interval (CI): –28.8 to –16.1, p < 0.0001] at the last follow-up; the heterogeneity was moderate (Q = 11.67 with df = 7.00, p < 0.0001, I2 = 40.01%). Furthermore, the pooled analysis under a random effects model showed an overall rate of GCs discontinuation of 0.35 (95% CI: 0.28–0.41, p < 0.0001); the heterogeneity was low (Q = 5.99 with df = 6.00, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0.00%).

Discussion:

Taking together all these findings, the reduction of concomitant GCs dosage following anakinra could be suggested, leading to a further improvement of AOSD therapeutic strategy.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the present systematic review and meta-analysis suggests the reduction of concomitant GCs dosage following treatment with anakinra. A percentage of patients are no longer required to be treated with GCs, discontinuing these drugs without a flare of the disease.
Concept Maps as Assessments of Expertise: Understanding of the Complexity and Interrelationships of Concepts in Science
Authors: Maker C. June , Zimmerman Robert H.
Published: June 2020

Concept maps were created as one of six measures to identify exceptionally talented students during the Cultivating Diverse Talent in STEM (CDTIS) project, with the goal of identifying and nurturing talents in students from groups traditionally underrepresented in special programs. New methods were compared with conventional methods to select students for an internship in the laboratories of scientists. In this article, we describe development, field testing, and implementation of the concept map assessments in life and physical science. Assessments were field tested in partner schools with high percentages of American Indian (97% to 100%) and Hispanic (83%) low-income students. Students were selected by considering their performance on all six assessments and were placed in internships along with students selected using conventional methods. Concept maps were successful: (a) students from partner schools demonstrated high levels of domain-relevant skills; (b) scores approximated a normal distribution; (c) scores of students from culturally diverse, low-income groups were very similar to the scores of students selected using conventional methods even though many of conventionally identified students had high grade point averages and came from schools in high-income areas with many educational opportunities. Students completed original research and presented posters to the university community and their local communities. Concept maps can be used alone or in combination with other assessments; their use needs to be studied with larger groups of students and in other contexts.
Impact of Accelerating Insulin on an Artificial Pancreas System Without Meal Announcement: An In Silico Examination
Authors: Colmegna Patricio , Cengiz Eda , Garcia-Tirado Jose , Kraemer Kristen , Breton Marc D.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Controlling postprandial blood glucose without the benefit of an appropriately sized premeal insulin bolus has been challenging given the delays in absorption and action of subcutaneously injected insulin during conventional and artificial pancreas (AP) system diabetes treatment. We aim to understand the impact of accelerating insulin and increasing aggressiveness of the AP controller as potential solutions to address the postprandial hyperglycemia challenge posed by unannounced meals through a simulation study.

Methods:

Accelerated rapid-acting insulin analogue is modeled within the UVA/Padova simulation platform by uniformly reducing its pharmacokinetic time constants (α multiplier) and used with a model predictive control, where the controller’s aggressiveness depends on α. Two sets of single-meal simulations were performed: (1) where we only tune the controller’s aggressiveness and (2) where we also accelerate insulin absorption and action to assess postprandial glycemic control during each intervention.

Results:

Mean percent of time spent within the 70 to 180 mg/dL postprandial glycemic range is significantly higher in set (2) than in set (1): 79.9, 95% confidence interval [77.0, 82.7] vs 88.8 [86.8, 90.9] ([Note to typesetter: Set all unnecessary math in text format and insert appropriate spaces between operators.] P < .05) for α = 2, and 81.4 [78.6, 84.3] vs 94.1 [92.6, 95.6] ( P < .05) for α = 3. A decrease in percent of time below 70 mg/dL is also detected: 0.9 [0.4, 2.2] vs 0.6 [0.2, 1.4] ( P = .23) for α = 2 and 1.4 [0.7, 2.8] vs 0.4 [0.1, 1.4] ( P < .05) for α = 3.

Conclusion:

These proof-of-concept simulations suggest that an AP without prandial insulin boluses combined with significantly faster insulin analogues could match the glycemic performance obtained with an optimal hybrid AP.
American String Teachers Association Research Award 2019
Authors: Barnes Gail
Published: June 2020

This article is based on a speech that Barnes presented at a meeting of the Collegiate Roundtable at the American String Teachers Association 2019 National Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Don’t stand so close to me: Public spaces, behavioral geography, and COVID-19
Authors: James Autumn C.
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 is influencing how people engage with one another in geographic space. Stay-at-home orders and social distancing have reduced people’s bodily presences and social interactions in public spaces. Revisiting classical behavioral geography, this commentary explores the perception and engagement of geographic space among residents in the downtown core of a large metropolitan region in Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effects of exercise therapy in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment: a narrative review
Authors: Piraux Elise , Caty Gilles , Aboubakar Nana Frank , Reychler Gregory
Published: June 2020

Despite its beneficial effects, radiotherapy still results in a range of side effects that negatively impact quality of life of patients. Exercise has been shown to counteract the side effects induced by cancer treatment. This narrative review aims to provide an up-to-date review of the effects of an exercise intervention in cancer patients during radiotherapy. A literature search was performed on PubMed to identify original articles that evaluated the effects of an exercise programme to alleviate treatment-related side effects in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy with or without other cancer treatments. Benefits related to exercise training have been shown in breast, prostate, rectal, lung, head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Therefore, exercise should be considered as a concurrent treatment alongside radiotherapy to alleviate treatment-related side effects and facilitate effective recovery. Due to the onset and progress of treatment-related side effects throughout radiotherapy, a regular clinical evaluation seems strongly advisable in order to continuously adapt the exercise programme depending on symptoms and side effects. An exercise professional is needed to personalize exercise training based on the medical condition and tailor it throughout the intervention according to progress and the patient’s medical status. Future studies are needed to confirm the potential benefits of exercises observed on treatment-related side effects. Furthermore, because of the narrative design of this study, a systematic review is required to evaluate the strength of the evidence reported.
Acute myocardial injury after administration of intravenous epinephrine for allergic reaction
Authors: Zakka Katerina , Gadi Sneha , Koshlelashvili Nikoloz , Maleque Noble M
Published: June 2020

Myocardial injury or infarction in the setting of anaphylaxis can be due to anaphylaxis itself, known as Kounis syndrome, or as a result of treatment with epinephrine. Myocardial ischemia caused by therapeutic doses of epinephrine in the setting of anaphylaxis is a rare event attributed to coronary artery vasospasm. A 41-year-old female with past medical history of recurrent costochondritis, chronic thrombocytopenia, and nonspecific palindromic rheumatism presented to the emergency department with perioral numbness, flushing and throat tightness after a meal containing fish and almonds. Intramuscular epinephrine was ordered but inadvertently administered intravenously, after which she developed sharp, substernal chest pain and palpitations. Electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm with QT interval prolongation. Troponin peaked at 1.41 ng/mL. She was given 324 mg of aspirin in the emergency department. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed normal ejection fraction with lateral wall motion abnormality. We present a case of a patient with no significant risk factors for coronary artery disease who developed myocardial injury following inadvertent IV administration of a therapeutic dose of epinephrine for an anaphylactic-like reaction. The development of myocardial injury after epinephrine is rare, with only six reported cases in literature and just one after intravenous administration. This is the first described case of known myocardial injury without ST-T wave changes on electrocardiogram . The proposed mechanism is an alpha-1 receptor-mediated coronary vascular spasm resulting in myocardial ischemia. The aim of this case is to raise awareness of the potential for acute myocardial injury after inadvertent intravenous administration of epinephrine for anaphylaxis, even in patients with no known risk factors for coronary artery disease, as well as to demonstrate that this clinical scenario can present regardless of troponin elevation and without ST-T wave ECG changes.
When Does Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure Affect Investment Efficiency? A New Answer to an Old Question
Authors: Anwar Rehana , Malik Jaleel A.
Published: June 2020

Prior evidence that firm’s investment behavior is positively affected by its corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure, as one of the key CSR areas of the company, leaves unaddressed whether all kinds of disclosure have the same effect. Drawing on stakeholder theory, this study analyzes the issue in a more exhaustive way. A cross-sectional logistic regression model is used to test the hypothesized association, and the results imply that firms’ high (low)-quality disclosure regarding their engagement in CSR activities increases their chances of being from the investment-efficient (inefficient) group. The obtained results conclude that CSR reporting activity is not beneficial for companies unless a meaningful disclosure of sustainability information is made. Our results are robust to using alternative proxies for CSR disclosure quality. This study contributes to the scarce evidence on CSR reporting in Pakistan and provides a useful method for assessing quality of CSR reports.
Longitudinal Predictors of Helicopter Parenting in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Nelson Larry J. , Padilla-Walker Laura M. , McLean Ryan D.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this exploratory longitudinal study was to examine stability and change of helicopter parenting throughout the first few years of emerging adulthood and to examine child and parent–child relational factors that might predict helicopter parenting. Participants included 453 emerging adults from a northwestern city in the United States (51% female, 33% single-parent families) who participated in a 10-year longitudinal study, with the current study examining ages 19–21. Results revealed that (a) for both mothers and fathers, helicopter parenting decreased over time, (b) some child and relational factors predicted initial levels of helicopter parenting, but (c) the findings were somewhat different for mothers and fathers and for daughters and sons. The findings support the growing understanding that the links between helicopter parenting and child (mal)adjustment are nuanced and complex. Findings have implications for those who work with parents and young people in trying to promote flourishing during emerging adulthood.
Effect of doping different Si source on Ca-P bioceramic coating fabricated by laser cladding
Authors: Fu Qi , Liu Qibin , Li Long , Li Xingmao , Gu Huaizhang , Sheng Bo
Published: June 2020

The doping of silicon (Si) has been proved to improve the bioactivity of Ca-P ceramics. In light of this thinking, in the present study, Ca-P coatings with La2O3 by addition of 10 wt% SiO2 and 10 wt% diatomaceous earth (DE) were fabricated by laser cladding on Ti6Al4V, respectively. Coating doped without Si was also fabricated as the comparison group for the experiment. The effect of two different Si sources on the surface morphology, microstructure, microhardness, and bioactivity was systematically studied. The experimental results show that the Si-doped coating is of rough surface morphology, and the addition of DE significantly reduces the number of cracks and improves the microhardness. The X-ray diffraction results reveal that the amount of bioactive phase tricalcium-phosphate (TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) reaches maximum in the DE-doped coating. After soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF), the precipitate of bone-like apatite in the DE-doped coating is significantly higher than that of the other coatings.
Color stability and degree of conversion of a novel dibenzoyl germanium derivative containing photo-polymerized resin luting cement
Authors: Alkhudhairy Fahad , Vohra Fahim , Naseem Mustafa , Owais Mosa Mohammed , Amer Abdulmajeed H Bin , Almutairi Khalid B
Published: June 2020

Aim:

To compare the color stability and degree of conversion (DC) of a resin cement containing a dibenzoyl germanium derivative photo-initiator (Variolink Esthetic) to resin cements containing conventional luting agents.

Materials and Method:

Spectrophotometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to compare the color stability and DC, respectively, of Variolink Esthetic compared to Calibra, Variolink-N, and NX3 resin cements. Ten specimens (1 × 2 mm2) of each resin cement were photo-polymerized and then subjected to color stability assessments. In addition, 30 samples of each of the four resin cements were prepared and then immersed in three staining solutions (tea, coffee, and distilled water) for two weeks. Changes in color for the immersed versus non-immersed specimens (control specimens) were determined by comparing ΔL (lightness), Δa, and Δb (color components), and an overall ΔE (color difference) obtained from spectrophotometry assays. One-way analysis of variance and a multiple comparison test (Tukey’s test) were used to analyze color stability and DC data. NX3 and Variolink Esthetic resin cements exhibited significantly lower values compared to the dual cured resin cements (Variolink-N and Calibra).

Results:

The highest DC values were observed among the photo-polymerized samples of Variolink Esthetic (87.18 ± 2.90%), while the lowest DC values were observed among the Variolink-N samples (44.55 ± 4.33%).

Conclusion:

The resin cement, Variolink Esthetic, containing a novel dibenzoyl germanium derivative photo-initiator exhibited superior color stability ( p < 0.05) and a higher DC than other resin cements containing conventional luting agents in an in vitro setting.
Commentary—A Dimon in the Rough: Apologetic Crisis Management at JPMorgan Chase
Authors: Hearit Keith M. , Hearit Lauren Berkshire
Published: June 2020

When companies are caught in a crisis, the need to deliver a defense in order to salvage their damaged reputation is an ongoing challenge. Drawing from actional legitimacy and apologia theory, this article examines corporate use of crisis communication through a case study surrounding Jamie Dimon, CEO at JPMorgan Chase. Dimon found himself in a crisis from 2012 to 2013 when a so-called “London Whale” made a series of trades that cost the company $6 billion U. S. Dollars, and raised serious questions over Dimon’s judgment and ability to lead JPMorgan Chase. In particular, we argue that the restoration of actional legitimacy centers around strategies of mortification, (corrective) action, justification, and authorization.
Representation and power – Discursive constructions of stakeholder positions in regional place marketing collaboration
Authors: Halme Juha
Published: June 2020

The aim of this paper is to study the power dynamics that unfold as part of communicative processes in place marketing collaboration, as exemplified in the EU’s developed but peripheral regional settings. The paper applies positioning theory to analyse how power dynamics are constructed through the distribution of rights and duties between participating stakeholders in two regional-level place marketing projects carried out in Eastern Finland between 2011 and 2014. The analysis of 24 interviews reveals story lines that unfold as part of a collaborative process between steering group representatives. Focus is given to the attribution of rights and duties to the stakeholders within these story lines, and the power dynamics that manifest as a result. Two central story lines are identified. In the formal story line positioning is related to the distribution of funding, regional scope of the projects, and the formal roles of stakeholders. In the spatial story line positioning concerned the dominance of regional centres and the spatial proximity between stakeholders. While the paper underlines the potential of positioning theory for understanding power dynamics in place marketing contexts, the findings are limited to specific geographical and institutional contexts. However, the paper presents a novel approach to the analysis of power dynamics in place marketing and branding by bringing attention to the normative aspects of power in communicative processes. This helps to identify and address the tension caused by power dynamics in place marketing and branding collaborations, which has been identified as a central challenge in recent literature.
Review of Ceftazidime-Avibactam, Meropenem-Vaborbactam, and Imipenem/Cilastatin-Relebactam to Target Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales
Authors: Hayden Dillon A. , White Bryan P. , Bennett Kiya K.
Published: June 2020

Objective: To provide a review of 3 novel antimicrobial agents—ceftazidime-avibactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, and imipenem/cilastatin-relebactam—regarding treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (KPC). Data Sources: A literature search of PubMed and OVID (MEDLINE) was performed up to March 2020 using the following search terms: Vabomere, meropenem-vaborbactam, vaborbactam, RPX7009, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase, KPC, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, CRE, relebactam, imipenem-relebactam, MK-7655, ceftazidime-avibactam. Abstracts from conferences, article bibliographies, and product information were also reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles were first screened by English language, then title, then abstract, and finally by review of the full article. Fifty-five clinical and preclinical studies were included. Data Synthesis: These 3 novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations have shown considerable improvement in safety and efficacy as compared with traditional polymyxin-based combination therapy for the treatment of KPC infections. While meropenem-vaborbactam has not shown improved activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, it has shown decreased rates of resistance to KPC versus ceftazidime-avibactam. Conclusions: With increasing incidence of KPC infections on a global scale, pharmacists should be aware of the notable similarities and differences between these 3 agents, and the current data supporting their use. Pharmacists may want to consider meropenem-vaborbactam over ceftazidime-avibactam for KPC infections due to decreased likelihood of resistance.