bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Oil and Fats Manufacturing Company: Assessing Human Resource Needs for Corporate Success
Authors: Shaari Roziana , Sarip Azlineer , Noh Zul’ Idham Md
Published: May 2021

Nikolai Asia Pacific in Johor Bahru Malaysia is a leading manufacturer of vegetable oils and fats. The Senior Manager of Human Resource and Organization Development (HROD) had concerns about employees at managerial levels. He felt that they were not playing their role in championing organizational changes being made for improvement in performance. He expected the managers should be able to foresee the struggles the organization will face in the coming years and initiate changes even when everything seemed to be going well. This case presents an opportunity for first-year undergraduate students to understand needs assessment for training and non-training interventions for managers of an organization. The case discusses issues of performance discrepancies among managers despite the various initiatives taken by the HROD department. In order to emulate reality, the event that led the HROD to take action has been recorded in the case study. The identified gaps will prompt learners to identify tools and approaches necessary in such a situation.
Impact of Competition on Efficiency of Microfinance Institutions: Cross Country Comparison of India and Bangladesh
Authors: Deb Joyeeta , Sinha Ram Pratap
Published: May 2021

Increased competition coupled with commercialisation in the Indian microfinance sector has brought about many major transformations. From an impact-driven development programme, microfinance institutions (MFIs) today emerged as commercially oriented profit-making entities. In addition to bringing their commercial and social objectives into balance, MFIs today are striving for efficient level of operation. Efficiency in the level of operation of MFIs allows them to remain competitive and attain financial sustainability. However, it is also imperative for MFIs to remain socially committed towards the ultimate mission of reaching the poorest at the bottom of the pyramid. Hence, it is of research interest to see the trade-off between MFIs’ social objective of spreading outreach and at the same time remaining financially sustainable. Against this backdrop, this article is devoted to study the potential impact of competition and commercialisation on efficiency of MFIs in India and Bangladesh. The study is carried over 75 MFIs altogether over the period of 8 years from 2009 to 2016. The data have been collected from microfinance information exchange database. Efficiency is measured through technical efficiency (TE) scores as estimated under data envelopment analysis. In order to establish the association between competitions, which is estimated by the Herfindahl–Hirschman index (HHI), tobit regression is used. The study evidenced increasing level of competition in the sector over the years, but it is more pronounced in India as against Bangladesh. In order to analyse the trade-off, TE scores are separately estimated under both financial and social measures. TE score is found to be higher in case of social measures of efficiency as against financial efficiency. Further, under both the measures, competition is found to be having a significant impact on both financial and social efficiency.
Factors Influencing the Physical Restraint of Patients in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Ji Yuanyuan , Yang Xin , Wang Jun , Cai Weixin , Gao Fengli , Wang Hongyan
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of physical restraint of patients in the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) and analyze the factors influencing this measure using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 312 patients from four tertiary hospitals in NSICU were investigated in Beijing, China. The rate of physical restraint of patients in the NSICU was 42.9%. In 41.8% of cases, nurses performed physical restraint based on experience, and 45.5% of patients had physical restraint-related nursing records. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that physical restraint was associated with delirium, mild-to-moderate disturbance of consciousness, history of extubation, surgery, and use of sedatives within 24 hour. Analysis of related factors can provide a reference for nurses and managers to improve physical restraint strategies.
Human Factors and Multidisciplinary Response to COVID-19 Social Distancing
Authors: Wolf Laurie , Shaver Anne , Peng Yuhao
Published: May 2021

As health care organizations begin to recover from the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), we must provide careful modifications to ensure patient and staff safety. Human Factors Engineers conducted pilot studies to begin understanding the impact social distancing can have on required work tasks. Next, an enterprise-level Social Distancing Work Group developed a Quick-Start Guide with recommendations for facility/environmental changes as well as workflow/process changes. The work group met on-location with leaders and staff from various areas across the organization who needed additional guidance beyond the general recommendations. We leveraged our event-reporting software as a way for staff to report ongoing social distancing concerns.
Implementation and intelligent gain tuning feedback–based optimal torque control of a rotary parallel robot
Authors: Tajdari Farzam , Ebrahimi Toulkani Naeim
Published: May 2021

Aiming at operating optimally minimizing error of tracking and designing control effort, this study presents a novel generalizable methodology of an optimal torque control for a 6-degree-of-freedom Stewart platform with rotary actuators. In the proposed approach, a linear quadratic integral regulator with the least sensitivity to controller parameter choices is designed, associated with an online artificial neural network gain tuning. The nonlinear system is implemented in ADAMS, and the controller is formulated in MATLAB to minimize the real-time tracking error robustly. To validate the controller performance, MATLAB and ADAMS are linked together and the performance of the controller on the simulated system is validated as real time. Practically, the Stewart robot is fabricated and the proposed controller is implemented. The method is assessed by simulation experiments, exhibiting the viability of the developed methodology and highlighting an improvement of 45% averagely, from the optimum and zero-error convergence points of view. Consequently, the experiment results allow demonstrating the robustness of the controller method, in the presence of the motor torque saturation, the uncertainties, and unknown disturbances such as intrinsic properties of the real test bed.
The Impact of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansions on the Sources of Health Insurance Coverage of Undergraduate Students in the United States
Authors: Anand Priyanka , Gicheva Dora
Published: May 2021

This article examines how the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansions affected the sources of health insurance coverage of undergraduate students in the United States. We show that the Affordable Care Act expansions increased the Medicaid coverage of undergraduate students by 5 to 7 percentage points more in expansion states than in nonexpansion states, resulting in 17% of undergraduate students in expansion states being covered by Medicaid postexpansion (up from 9% prior to the expansion). In contrast, the growth in employer and private direct coverage was 1 to 2 percentage points lower postexpansion for students in expansion states compared with nonexpansion states. Our findings demonstrate that policy efforts to expand Medicaid eligibility have been successful in increasing the Medicaid coverage rates for undergraduate students in the United States, but there is evidence of some crowd out after the expansions—that is, some students substituted their private and employer-sponsored coverage for Medicaid.
Teaching Performance, Service, and Scholarship: The Rewarding of U.S. Media and Communication Faculty Members’ Teaching in Tenure and Promotion Documents
Authors: Miller Serena
Published: May 2021

University reward systems (i.e., tenure and promotion standards) can shape educators’ behaviors and dedication to teaching. This study contributes to knowledge by conceptually mapping teaching evaluation standards through a thematic analysis of U.S. tenure and promotion documents from media- and communication-centric departments. The results revealed that evaluation criteria coalesced around three areas: (a) teaching performance, (b) teaching service, and (c) scholarship of teaching and learning. Performance was the most formalized teaching evaluation approach, while scholarship of teaching, a distinct area, was much less present. Conceptual and empirical clarification associated with the scholarship of teaching and learning is presented.
Machine Learning Prediction of ADHD Severity: Association and Linkage to ADGRL3, DRD4, and SNAP25
Authors: Cervantes-Henríquez Martha L. , Acosta-López Johan E. , Martinez Ariel F. , Arcos-Burgos Mauricio , Puentes-Rozo Pedro J. , Vélez Jorge I.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ADGRL3, DRD4, and SNAP25 genes are associated with and predict ADHD severity in families from a Caribbean community.

Method:

ADHD severity was derived using latent class cluster analysis of DSM-IV symptomatology. Family-based association tests were conducted to detect associations between SNPs and ADHD severity latent phenotypes. Machine learning algorithms were used to build predictive models of ADHD severity based on demographic and genetic data.

Results:

Individuals with ADHD exhibited two seemingly independent latent class severity configurations. SNPs harbored in DRD4, SNAP25, and ADGRL3 showed evidence of linkage and association to symptoms severity and a potential pleiotropic effect on distinct domains of ADHD severity. Predictive models discriminate severe from non-severe ADHD in specific symptom domains.

Conclusion:

This study supports the role of DRD4, SNAP25, and ADGRL3 genes in outlining ADHD severity, and a new prediction framework with potential clinical use.
Diagnosed and Nondisclosed Sport-Related Concussion: An Exploratory Comparison Study by ADHD Status in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Beidler Erica , Schmitt Ara J , Matta Michael , Griger Cassondra
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To determine if ADHD status in collegiate athletes was associated with differences in the number of diagnosed and nondisclosed sport-related concussions, and reasons why suspected concussive injuries were not reported.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey was completed by 858 collegiate athletes (65 with ADHD; 793 without ADHD). The survey included self-report items regarding ADHD status and histories of diagnosed and nondisclosed sport-related concussions. Groups were matched for gender, age, and sport with a ratio of one participant with ADHD to four without ADHD.

Results:

Collegiate athletes with ADHD reported significantly more diagnosed sport-related concussions and were more likely to have a history of diagnosis compared to those without ADHD. There were no significant differences between groups regarding sport-related concussion nondisclosure history.

Conclusion:

Collegiate athletes with ADHD have an increased prevalence rate of diagnosed sport-related concussions compared to those without ADHD; however, this developmental disorder may not influence injury nondisclosure decisions.
Dental Amalgams and the Incidence Rate of Arthritis among American Adults
Authors: Geier David A , Geier Mark R
Published: May 2021

This hypothesis-testing study evaluated the relationship between mercury (Hg)-based dental amalgams and arthritis diagnoses among adults in the United States (US). A total of 86 305 425 weighted-persons with ⩾1 dental amalgam filling surface (DAFS) (exposed group) and 32 201 088 weighted-persons with ⩾1 other dental filling surface (ODFS) (no DAFS, unexposed group) were examined in the 2015 to 2016 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). All persons were 20 to 80 years-old with known demographic characteristics and arthritis status. Survey logistic regression and survey frequency modeling in SAS were employed with and without adjustment of covariates. The arthritis rate was significantly increased in the exposed group compared to the unexposed group in the unadjusted (7.68-fold) and adjusted (4.89-fold) models. Arthritis (per 10 000 weighted-person-years) was 6.0-fold significantly increased in the exposed group (6.2) compared to the unexposed group (1.06). A significant bimodal dose-dependent relationship between DAFS and arthritis rate was observed. The arthritis rate increased with increasing DAFS (peak among persons with 4-7 DAFS) and, subsequently, decreased among those with >6 DAFS. A significant decrease in arthritis rate among persons with >13 DAFS as compared to those persons with 4 to 7 DAFS was observed. A significant association between DAFS and arthritis risk and a dose-dependent DAFS associated immune-stimulation/immune-suppression with arthritis risk were observed. An estimated additional $96 835 814 US dollars (USD) are spent on annual medical costs and $184 797 680 USD are lost in annual wages from reported new onset arthritis attributably associated with DAFS (annual total cost = $281 633 494 USD).
A systematic review of telehealth for the delivery of emergent neurosurgical care
Authors: Wright James , Elder Theresa , Gerges Christina , Reisen Breanne , Wright Christina , Jella Tarun , Shah Sanjit , Yang George , Ngwenya Laura B , Wang Vincent , Parr Ann M ,   in affiliation with the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies (CSNS)
Published: May 2021

Introduction

In 2017, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons published a statement in support of adopting telemedicine technologies in neurosurgery. The position statement detailed the principles for use and summarised the active efforts at the time to address barriers that limited expansion of use, such as reimbursement, liability, credentialing and patient confidentiality. The primary aim of this systematic literature review was to identify the available published literature on the application of telemedicine to neurosurgical patient care, with a specific focus on neurotrauma and emergent neurological conditions.

Methods

This Level II systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2009 guidelines. Following removal of duplicates, 359 studies were yielded from database query. Following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 78 articles were identified for full-text review.

Results

Full-text screening yielded a total of 11 studies for the final analysis. The study interventions took place in seven unique countries and included both developed and developing nations. Data captured spanned the years 1997 to 2019. The total cumulative number of patients who received neurosurgical telemedicine consultations captured by this review was 37,224.

Discussion

This review of the literature suggests that telemedicine in emergent settings offers safe, feasible, and cost-reducing methods of increasing access to high acuity neurosurgical care and may serve to limit unnecessary inter-facility transfers. As infrastructure and regulatory guidelines continue to evolve, neurosurgical patients, both domestic and abroad, will benefit from improved access to expertise afforded by telemedicine technologies.
What moves you? Physical activity strategies in older women
Authors: Oppezzo Marily , Wegner Lauren , Gross James J , Schwartz Daniel L , Eckley Tessa , King Abby C , Mackey Sally , Stefanick Marcia L
Published: May 2021

Physical activity improves quality of life and extends independence in older adults. Yet, how to motivate older adults to engage in physical activity is unclear. In the present study, 4108 older women, aged 70–99, reported how they motivated themselves to move when they did not feel like it, and their hours of physical activity and walking each week. Findings indicated that participants who endorsed more strategies had more hours of physical activity and walking. Strategic categories that correlated with more physical activity include focusing on the benefits and utilizing the surrounding environment to help motivate movement.
Bilinguals’ inference of emotions in ambiguous speech
Authors: Champoux-Larsson Marie-France , Dylman Alexandra S
Published: May 2021

Aims and objectives:

This study aimed to establish whether adults have a preference for semantics or emotional prosody (EP) when identifying the emotional valence of an utterance, and whether this is affected by bilingualism. Additionally, we wanted to determine whether the prosodic bias (PB) found in bilingual children in a previous study persisted through adulthood.

Design:

Sixty-three adults with varying levels of bilingualism identified the emotional valence of words with positive, negative or neutral semantics expressed with a positive, negative, or neutral EP. In Part 1, participants chose whichever cue felt most natural to them (out of semantics or prosody). In Part 2, participants were instructed to identify either the semantics or the prosody in different experimental blocks.

Data and analysis:

In Part 1, a one-sample t-test was used to determine whether one type of cue was preferred. Furthermore, a linear regression was used with the participants’ language profile score (measured with the Language and Social Background Questionnaire, LSBQ) as a predictor and how often prosody was chosen as the outcome variable. In Part 2, we ran a linear regression with the LSBQ score as the predictor and a PB score as the outcome.

Findings:

In Part 1, participants chose semantics and prosody equally often, and the LSBQ score did not predict a preference for prosody. In Part 2, higher LSBQ scores lead to a larger PB.

Originality:

This is the first study to show that bilingual adults, like children, have an increased bias towards EP the more bilingual they are, but only under constrained experimental conditions.

Implications:

This study was the first to empirically investigate the conscious choice of emotional cues in speech. Furthermore, we discuss theoretical implications of our results in relation to methodological limitations with experimental settings in bilingual research.
Better than television: The rise of Korean web dramas
Authors: Kang Jennifer M
Published: May 2021

The web dramas produced and consumed in South Korea are a short, serialized form of content produced specifically for mobile viewing platforms. Through discursive analysis, this article examines the positioning of web dramas as a step in the evolution of television and finds that they have been legitimized as a higher-quality form than television drama because of their economic potential. To begin with, web dramas have the potential to generate synergistic economic effects impacting other areas of culture, such as tourism, television, and webtoons. Second, web dramas have been represented as the best strategy for tapping into the vast Chinese market, especially during periods in which strained political relations between Korea and China prevented the export of television dramas. Moreover, web dramas have been optimized for mobile platforms through experimentation with aesthetics and topics in ways that have not been possible for television dramas. Thus, web dramas offer a window into the relationship between perceptions of quality and commercial profitability.
Using of recycled clay brick/fine soil to produce sodium hydroxide alkali activated mortars
Authors: Alzeebaree Radhwan , Mawlod Arass Omer , Mohammedameen Alaa , Niş Anıl
Published: May 2021

In the study, the recycled clay brick powder/fine soil powder-based sodium hydroxide alkali-activated mortar (AAM) specimens were prepared by mixing different percentages (100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80, and 100/0, respectively) to investigate the mechanical and durability performance of sustainable AAM specimens for the possible utilization instead of OPC. The constant ratio of glass powder was used in the production of AAM to increase the alkalinity and improve the mechanical properties of alkali-activated mortar. Also, the influences of sodium hydroxide molarity concentrations (8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 M) on the performance of AAM specimens were studied. The compressive strength, water absorption, and water sorptivity tests were conducted on the AAM specimens and the relationships between the investigated parameters were analyzed. The obtained results revealed that the fine soil powder replacement with clay brick powder improved the compressive strength, and reduced water absorption and water sorptivity up to 80% replacement ratios, and the superior mechanical and durability performance was obtained in the 80% fine soil powder-based AAM specimens. For the higher fine soil powder replacement ratio (100%), the performances of the AAM specimens were found to be adversely affected. Besides, the concentration of NaOH solution significantly influenced the material performances of the fine soil powder-based AAMs and 12 M NaOH concentration performed superior mechanical and durability performance. The strength enhancement of the AAMs was found to be significant after 90 days of ambient curing period.
An experimental study of the axial compression performance of two-part precast concrete columns
Authors: Wu Bo , Wei Zhikai
Published: May 2021

Recycled lump concrete (RLC) made with demolished concrete lumps (DCLs) and fresh concrete (FC) provides a solution for effective waste concrete recycling. To promote the development of precast RLC structures, this study tested a new type of connection for precast concrete columns: connecting the upper and the lower halves of columns with bent longitudinal reinforcements and structural adhesive. In this work the behavior of precast RLC columns with the new connection was studied under axial compression. The axial compressive strength of nine two-part columns was tested. The effects of the degree of bending in the longitudinal reinforcement, the replacement ratio of DCLs and the stirrup spacing were investigated. Tests showed that: (1) the failure mode of precast concrete columns is different from that of cast-in-place columns; (2) when the strength of the waste concrete is close to that of the fresh material, there is no significant difference in the axial compression performance of either precast or cast-in-place columns; (3) the bent longitudinal reinforcement causes the axial load bearing capacity of precast concrete columns to be 4.2%–12.3% lower than that of a similar cast-in-place column; (4) reducing the stirrup spacing has little effect on a precast column’s axial load bearing capacity and ductility; (5) when using Chinese and American codes to predict the axial load bearing capacity of the column, the predicted value should be multiplied by a reduction factor.
Reframing the rural experience in Aotearoa New Zealand: Incorporating the voices of the marginalised
Authors: Pomeroy Ann
Published: May 2021

A scan of social research about rural New Zealand from the 1980s reveals power divisions which have muted the voices of ‘others’. Listening to these voices could transform how we manage the economy, sustain the environment and promote social well-being in future. Rural sociological attention in New Zealand has focused on the people and communities associated with land and resource-based assets, with little attention to the rural majority not engaged in primary production. Indigenous voices are also missing. As Jessica Hutchings argues, decisions on economic development, the environment and social services continue to uphold colonial hegemony as the dominant worldview in Aotearoa New Zealand. By being open to the perspectives of people normally ignored and particularly engaging with indigenous approaches, application of capital and power in development can be rethought and structural inequalities addressed.
Sexual orientation and life satisfaction
Authors: Bartram David
Published: May 2021

Existing quantitative research on sexual orientation and life satisfaction uses models with control variables that do not have a clear rationale. With a correct understanding of what control variables do, no controls are necessary to estimate the consequences of sexual orientation on life satisfaction. An analysis constructed from this perspective reveals gay and bisexual men in the UK and Australia are less satisfied with their lives (relative to heterosexual men). Bisexual women in both countries are less satisfied as well. Lesbians in Australia are less satisfied (relative to straight women) – but lesbians in the UK do not have lower satisfaction. These conclusions hold also in an analysis that considers the possibility that some non-heterosexual people might be unwilling to disclose their sexual orientation on surveys.
The installation of embedded ultrasonic transducers inside a bridge to monitor temperature and load influence using coda wave interferometry technique
Authors: Wang Xin , Niederleithinger Ernst , Hindersmann Iris
Published: May 2021

This article presents a unique method of installing a special type of embedded ultrasonic transducers inside a 36-m-long section of an old bridge in Germany. A small-scale load test was carried out by a 16 ton truck to study the temperature and load influence on the bridge, as well as the performance of the embedded transducers. Ultrasonic coda wave interferometry technique, which has high sensitivity in detecting subtle changes in a heterogeneous medium, was used for the data evaluation and interpretation. The separation of two main influence factors (load effect and temperature variation) is studied, and future applications of wave velocity variation rate [Formula: see text] for structural health condition estimation are discussed. As a preliminary research stage, the installation method and the performance of the ultrasonic transducer are recognized. Load- and temperature-induced weak wave velocity variations are successfully detected with a high resolution of 10−4%. The feasibility of the whole system for long-term structural health monitoring is considered, and further research is planned.
Enhancing the Adoption of Evidence-Based Health Marketing and Promotion Strategies in Local Communities: Building a Communication Dissemination and Support System for the National Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Williams Alexis , Bowen Shelly-Ann , Murphy Monica , Costa Karen , Echavarria Chelsea , Knight Michelle
Published: May 2021

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created a health communication marketing and promotion support system (support system) to help 10 CDC-funded national organizations (recipients) grow enrollment of underserved populations in the National Diabetes Prevention Program. This article describes the creation of a successful support system to increase the use of effective marketing approaches and key messaging. The support system was developed using a systematic approach. It included a needs assessment, audience research, marketing strategy identification, expert panel review, materials development, and dissemination guidance. Hands-on, individualized, and group end-user training and technical assistance was also included. Recipients received culturally and linguistically tailored marketing materials to support their specific priority audiences, as well as corresponding training on recommended dissemination methods. In in-depth key-informant interviews, staff from six recipients reported increased knowledge of local communities and audiences, efficacy and skills to conduct media interviews, capacity to identify and train champions and influencers, and greater community partner investments. With marketing support, 90% of recipients reported increased enrollment, of which 40% exceeded self-set targets and another 40% doubled or tripled their enrollment numbers. These findings indicate that a customized strategic health communication marketing and promotion support system presents a significant opportunity to help recipients increase enrollment in evidence-based interventions. Practitioners disseminating evidence-based interventions may consider a support system to increase program uptake.
Outcomes of Advanta V12 Covered Stents After Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: van der Riet Claire , Schuurmann Richte C. L. , Verhoeven Eric L. G. , Zeebregts Clark J. , Tielliu Ignace F. J. , Bokkers Reinoud P. H. , Katsargyris Athanasios , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is a well-established endovascular treatment option for pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms in which balloon-expandable covered stents (BECS) are used to bridge the fenestration to the target vessels. This study presents midterm clinical outcomes and patency rates of the Advanta V12 BECS used as a bridging stent.

Methods:

All patients treated with FEVAR with at least 1 Advanta V12 BECS were included from 2 large-volume vascular centers between January 2012 and December 2015. Primary endpoints were freedom from all-cause reintervention, and freedom from BECS-associated complications and reintervention. BECS-associated complications included significant stenosis, occlusion, type 3 endoleak, or stent fracture. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality in-hospital and during follow-up.

Results:

This retrospective study included 194 FEVAR patients with a mean age of 72.2±8.0 years. A total of 457 visceral arteries were stented with an Advanta V12 BECS. Median (interquartile range) follow-up time was 24.6 (1.6, 49.9) months. The FEVAR procedure was technically successful in 93% of the patients. Five patients (3%) died in-hospital. Patient survival was 77% (95% CI 69% to 84%) at 3 years. Freedom from all-cause reintervention was 70% (95% CI 61% to 78%) at 3 years, and 33% of all-cause reinterventions were BECS associated. Complications were seen in 24 of 457 Advanta V12 BECSs: type 3 endoleak in 8 BECSs, significant stenosis in 4 BECSs, occlusion in 6 BECSs, and stent fractures in 3 BECSs. A combination of complications occurred in 3 BECSs: type 3 endoleak and stenosis, stent fracture and stenosis, and stent fracture and occlusion. The freedom from BECS-associated complications for Advanta V12 BECSs was 98% (95% CI 96% to 99%) at 1 year and 92% (95% CI 88% to 95%) at 3 years. The freedom from BECS-associated reinterventions was 98% (95% CI 95% to 100%) at 1 year and 94% (95% CI 91% to 97%) at 3 years.

Conclusion:

The Advanta V12 BECS used as bridging stent in FEVAR showed low complication and reintervention rates at 3 years. A substantial number of FEVAR patients required a reintervention, but most were not BECS related.
The Role of Cilostazol and Inflammation in Cognitive Impairment After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Huang Ling-Chun , Hsieh Sun-Wung , Tsai Chia-Chan , Chen Chun-Hung , Yang Yuan-Han
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to examine the potential effect of cilostazol and inflammation on cognitive impairment after stroke in an Asian population.

Methods:

Forty-five patients with cognitive impairment after ischemic stroke using cilostazol were enrolled as the study group and 45 patients using aspirin or clopidogrel were enrolled as the control group. Neuropsychiatric assessments were administered at the start of the study and after 6 months. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the cognitive change and cilostazol use. Macrophage polarization were assessed using flow cytometry in 7 patients.

Results:

There were a significantly higher number of patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease in the cilostazol group. No significant differences were observed in the cognitive change between the cilostazol and control groups. M1 macrophage subset increment were observed in the patient having a declined cognitive change.

Conclusion:

Cilostazol did not make a significant difference in cognitive change after ischemic stroke. M1 macrophage subset increment may indicate post stroke cognitive decline. Due to limited number of subjects, these findings should be examined further in large-scale randomized clinical trials.
Transitioning Transdiagnostic CBT from Face-to-Face to Telephone Delivery During the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Case Study
Authors: Saunders Jess , Allen Chris
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus pandemic led to worldwide disruption in the delivery of face-to-face mental health services. This impact was marked for individuals with long-term health conditions and comorbid depression and anxiety. Many face-to-face mental health services switched to remote delivery or paused therapeutic input entirely, despite the lack of research on the efficacy of switching between modalities mid-therapy or having breaks in therapy. This paper presents the case of a patient with long-term health conditions who experienced both breaks in therapy and a switch in modalities from face-to-face to telephone delivery. The intervention used was based on transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy and self-report measures were completed at the beginning and end of the twelve sessions. Despite the shift in modalities, the patient experienced clinically significant recovery on all measures, indicating the efficacy of therapy was not greatly affected by the shift in modalities. Long breaks in therapy were linked to deterioration in mental health, although this could be due to the deterioration in physical health that necessitated these breaks. This case highlights the benefits and challenges of a shifting modality of therapy during treatment and in response to a pandemic for a shielding population. From the work presented here, it seems beneficial for services to be able to work across multiple modalities to suit the needs of the patients and ensure continuity of treatment. It also indicates that pauses in therapy may risk deterioration. Further work is needed to prevent digital exclusion of patients.
Giant Carotid Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Walter Amy M. , Flett Murray M. , Nagy John , Suttie Stuart A. , Dalton Andrew , Casey Matthew , Guthrie Graeme J. K.
Published: May 2021

Carotid artery aneurysms account for 4% of peripheral aneurysms and may present as a neck mass, with hemispheric ischaemic symptoms, or with symptoms secondary to local compression. This case explores the presentation, investigations and management of a presumed mycotic common carotid artery aneurysm in a 77-year-old male, which was repaired using end-to-end interposition vein graft using long saphenous vein. This report discusses the aetiology, presentation and surgical management for carotid artery aneurysms, as well as focusing on that of the rare mycotic carotid artery aneurysm.
Motivations Behind Lifestyle Changes
Authors: Dorn Calder , Phillips Sean , Nicol Sierra , Russell Holly , Guenther Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

Lifestyle modification has been demonstrated as a powerful tool in combating the morbidity and mortality of disease. Due to lack of training or education not enough physicians are discussing lifestyle changes with patients. The objective of this study was to determine what influenced participants to make lifestyle changes, and if it was a physician, what was said or done to motivate that decision. Inclusion criterion was participants were enrolled in a program dedicated to dietary modifications. One hundred participants were surveyed. Eighty-eight percent were over the age of 50; 78% were female; 92% were White; and 70% had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Sixty-eight percent felt they had not been educated by their health care provider about nutrition; 41% of participants felt information provided was the most impactful statement; 60% of participants noted that their medical diagnosis had a moderate to significant impact on their decision to make a lifestyle change. This study emphasizes that dietary modifications are not being discussed enough to alter the health decisions of patients in the clinical setting. Furthermore, it is paramount physicians take into account patient motivations when discussing lifestyle changes, as well as the role that proper patient education plays in motivating patients to make a change.
Remembering forgotten heroes and the idealisation of true love: Veteran memorial activism in contemporary China
Authors: Lin Jacqueline Zhenru
Published: May 2021

Recent research on collective memory and war commemoration highlights the ‘conspicuous silence’ of war veterans in Chinese history. Studies of the War of Resistance against Japan (1937–1945) typically reflect either a state-centred approach, which emphasises the official history constructed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or the alternative narratives constructed by intellectual elites in post-socialist China. In response to these top-down narratives, this essay focuses instead on a historical redress movement led by ex-servicemen of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The former PLA members, the participant volunteers of this movement, devote themselves into seeking and supporting a group of forgotten Kuomintang (KMT) veterans who fought against the Japanese invaders in the Second World War but now struggle with impoverished living conditions. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork from 2013 to 2015, I will show how the daily interactions between these two groups of veterans embody a more private and internalised sense of commemorative yearning for a lost past, highlighting in the process the value of ethnographic research in breaking through the wall of silence constructed by hegemonic histories around veteran communities and their role in making war history.
Prescription strategy of antimalarials in cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus: an international survey
Authors: Petitdemange Arthur , Felten Renaud , Sibilia Jean , Martin Thierry , Arnaud Laurent
Published: May 2021

Background:

Antimalarial agents (AMs), mainly hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine, are the cornerstone of treatment of cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, many aspects of AM prescription remain empirical. The aim of this study was to assess the modalities of AM prescription among physicians treating patients with lupus and to verify the assumption that AM use is heterogeneous and frequently at variance with international guidelines.

Methods:

We performed an international cross-sectional study among physicians involved in lupus care, using a web-based survey (from September 2019 to July 2020) addressing the main controversial aspects of AM prescription.

Results:

A total of 298 physicians [median age: 42 (interquartile range: 17) years, mainly internists and rheumatologists] from 35 countries participated to the study. A total of 93% used HCQ as the first-line AM, 69.5% used fixed doses of AMs (mainly 400 mg/day for HCQ) and only 37.9% adjusted the dose in case of renal failure. The main reasons for measuring HCQ blood levels were suspected non-adherence (55.7%) and failure of AM treatment (34.1%). In case of AM failure, 58.0% added an immunosuppressive agent. In case of remission, 49.7% maintained the same dose of AM, whereas 48.3% reduced the dose. One-third of respondents reported not following the American screening guidelines on AM retinal toxicity and 40.9% started retinal screening from the first year of treatment.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the strong heterogeneity of AM prescription in lupus, as well as several key unmet needs regarding AMs. This may be improved by developing more comprehensive recommendations and favoring dissemination among physicians.
A New Flavonol From Saussurea involucrata With Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Pan Sheng , Zhu Zi-Guan
Published: May 2021

A new flavonol named 6-(2'',3''-epoxy-3''-methylbutyl)-resokaempferol (1), together with five known compounds (2-6) were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble extract of the aerial part of Saussurea involucrata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects by measuring the production of nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α in vitro. Among them, compound 1 showed potential inhibitory activity on the production of NO and TNF-α in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 48.0 ± 1.5 and 41.4 ± 1.7 µM, respectively.
Influence of equipment changes on MRI measures of brain atrophy and brain microstructure in a placebo-controlled trial of ibudilast in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sakaie Ken , Fedler Janel K , Yankey Jon W , Nakamura Kunio , Debbins Josef , Lowe Mark J , Raska Paola , Fox Robert J
Published: May 2021

Background

Hardware changes can be an unavoidable confound in imaging trials. Understanding the impact of such changes may play an important role in the analysis of imaging data.

Objective

To characterize the effect of equipment changes in a longitudinal, multi-site multiple sclerosis trial.

Methods

Using data from a clinical trial in progressive multiple sclerosis, we explored how major changes in imaging hardware affected data. We analyzed the extent to which these changes affected imaging biomarkers and the estimated treatment effects by including such changes as a time-dependent covariate.

Results

Significant differences whole brain atrophy (brain parenchymal fraction, BPF) and microstructure (transverse diffusivity, TD) between scans with and without changes were found and depended on the type of hardware change. A switch from GE HDxt to Siemens Skyra led to significant shifts in BPF (p < 0.04) and TD (p < 0.0001). However, we could not detect the influence of hardware changes on overall trial outcomes– differences between placebo and treatment arms in change over time of BPF and TD (p > 0.5).

Conclusions

The results suggest that differences among hardware types should be considered when planning and analyzing brain atrophy and diffusivity in a longitudinal clinical trial.
Suicide Ideation and Thwarted Interpersonal Needs Among Psychiatric Inpatients: A Network Approach
Authors: Brown Sarah L. , Marshall Andrew J. , Mitchell Sean M. , Roush Jared F. , Mumma Gregory H. , Jahn Danielle R. , Ribeiro Jessica D. , Joiner Thomas E. , Cukrowicz Kelly C.
Published: May 2021

We aimed to demonstrate the utility of an item-level network analysis approach to suicide risk by testing the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) among 402 psychiatric inpatients. We hypothesized that specific thwarted belongingness (TB) or perceived burdensomeness (PB; Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire items) facets would positively relate to passive or active suicide ideation and that these facets would positively relate to each other and form distinct clusters. We also tested TB and PB facets central to the networks as predictors of suicide ideation compared with the full TB and PB subscales. Face-valid items congruent with latent constructs proposed by the IPTS (i.e., feelings of burden on society, feeling that one does not belong) were the only two facets uniquely predictive of passive and active suicide ideation. Facets of TB and PB did not form distinct clusters. Item-level network analysis may have important conceptual, assessment, predictive, and clinical implications for understanding suicide risk.
Differences in soft tissue damage using a percutaneous versus open approach for antegrade straight humeral nailing: a quantitative and qualitative anatomical study
Authors: Fang Christian , Yee Dennis KH , Wong Tak Man , Fang Evan , Pun Terence , Lau Tak Wing , Wong Janus , Leung Felix , Liu Rong , Cheung Chun Chung , Tipoe George Lim , Leung Frankie
Published: May 2021

Background:

Percutaneous insertion of third-generation straight humeral nails is a recent alternative to the conventional open method. Rather than splitting, retracting and subsequently repairing the supraspinatus fibers to visualize the humeral head entry site, the percutaneous approach utilizes a cannulated awl to enter the intramedullary canal through the supraspinatus fibers without visualizing internal shoulder structures. Despite recent evidence demonstrating satisfactory outcomes in the percutaneous method, the potential for iatrogenic injury to the rotator cuff and other shoulder structures is not fully understood.

Materials and Methods:

We performed an anatomical study of 46 shoulders in 23 cadavers to compare damage caused to internal shoulder structures between the open and percutaneous techniques. Dimensions and morphologies of supraspinatus and humeral head perforations were recorded.

Results:

The percutaneous technique produced greater latitudinal tearing ( p = 0.002) and less longitudinal tearing ( p < 0.001) of muscle fibers, however there was no difference in supraspinatus hole area ( p = 0.748). The long head biceps tendon was within 3 mm of the bone entry hole in 13 (28%) shoulders, with one shoulder in the open group exhibiting full tendon transection.

Conclusions:

Percutaneous insertion of intramedullary nails using a cannulated awl appears to produce similar soft tissue and bone entry site morphology as compared to the conventional open technique. The percutaneous method was associated with slightly greater latitudinal tearing, however the effects of this remain to be clarified through clinical studies. External rotation should be avoided during instrumentation to reduce the risk of biceps tendon transection.
Determinants of Consumer’s Intention to Purchase Traditional Indian Apparels
Authors: Chaudhry Jyoti Bhasin , Verma Pranay
Published: May 2021

Traditional Indian apparels consumer market is still a niche market. The main aim of this article is to observe the influence of perceived quality, price sensitivity, perceived value, status consumption, consumer traits relating to product design (centrality of visual product aesthetics (CVPA), product knowledge (independent variables) on purchase intention of traditional Indian apparels. A structured questionnaire was circulated among respondents in Delhi NCR to collect data. Convenience sampling was employed for data collection. The psychometric properties of purchase intention for Traditional Indian apparels were examined by testing the reliability and validity of the measures. Multiple Regression tool was used to find out the relationship between independent variables on dependent variable (purchase intention). The regression results revealed that perceived quality, CVPA were found to have significant and positive effect on consumer’s intention to purchase Indian traditional apparels.