bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Insights into the Microstructural Analysis of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Soni Jay , Sethiya Ayushi , Sahiba Nusrat , Dhaka Mahendra Singh , Agarwal Shikha
Published: January 2021

Aim and Objective:

To explore the impact of synthesis conditions (temperature and time) on the properties of developed Graphene Oxide (GO).

Background:

A highly promising approach has been used for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) from graphite flakes using the modified Hummers method. Concentrated sulfuric acid was used as an intercalating agent and the oxidation was done with the help of potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide.

Methods:

The present method does not need expensive membranes for the filtration of Carbon and metalcontaining residues. The pre-cooling method is used to eradicate the explosive behavior of intermediate steps. The high quality of synthesized graphene oxides was confirmed by a series of characterization techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy.

Results:

The results indicated the presence of Oxygen-containing functional groups, and a rise in the Oxygen content confirmed the synthesis of high-quality graphene oxide.

Conclusion:

As per obtained experimental findings and subsequent analysis, the synthesized high-quality graphene oxide could be used in the design of membranes for water treatment applications.
Quantification of Smoking Characteristics Using Smartwatch Technology: Pilot Feasibility Study of New Technology
Authors: Cole Casey Anne , Powers Shannon , Tomko Rachel L , Froeliger Brett , Valafar Homayoun
Published: January 2021

Background

While there have been many technological advances in studying the neurobiological and clinical basis of tobacco use disorder and nicotine addiction, there have been relatively minor advances in technologies for monitoring, characterizing, and intervening to prevent smoking in real time. Better understanding of real-time smoking behavior can be helpful in numerous applications without the burden and recall bias associated with self-report.

Objective

The goal of this study was to test the validity of using a smartwatch to advance the study of temporal patterns and characteristics of smoking in a controlled laboratory setting prior to its implementation in situ. Specifically, the aim was to compare smoking characteristics recorded by Automated Smoking PerceptIon and REcording (ASPIRE) on a smartwatch with the pocket Clinical Research Support System (CReSS) topography device, using video observation as the gold standard.

Methods

Adult smokers (N=27) engaged in a video-recorded laboratory smoking task using the pocket CReSS while also wearing a Polar M600 smartwatch. In-house software, ASPIRE, was used to record accelerometer data to identify the duration of puffs and interpuff intervals (IPIs). The recorded sessions from CReSS and ASPIRE were manually annotated to assess smoking topography. Agreement between CReSS-recorded and ASPIRE-recorded smoking behavior was compared.

Results

ASPIRE produced more consistent number of puffs and IPI durations relative to CReSS, when comparing both methods to visual puff count. In addition, CReSS recordings reported many implausible measurements in the order of milliseconds. After filtering implausible data recorded from CReSS, ASPIRE and CReSS produced consistent results for puff duration (R2=.79) and IPIs (R2=.73).

Conclusions

Agreement between ASPIRE and other indicators of smoking characteristics was high, suggesting that the use of ASPIRE is a viable method of passively characterizing smoking behavior. Moreover, ASPIRE was more accurate than CReSS for measuring puffs and IPIs. Results from this study provide the foundation for future utilization of ASPIRE to passively and accurately monitor and quantify smoking behavior in situ.
Implementing Mobile Health–Enabled Integrated Care for Complex Chronic Patients: Intervention Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness Study (Preprint)
Authors: de Batlle Jordi , Massip Mireia , Vargiu Eloisa , Nadal Nuria , Fuentes Araceli , Ortega Bravo Marta , Miralles Felip , Barbé Ferran , Torres Gerard ,   CONNECARE-Lleida Group
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Integrated care can generate health and social care efficiencies through the defragmentation of care and adoption of patient-centered preventive models. eHealth can be a key enabling technology for integrated care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the implementation of a mobile health (mHealth)-enabled integrated care model for complex chronic patients.

METHODS

As part of the CONNECARE Horizon 2020 project, a prospective, pragmatic, two-arm, parallel implementation trial was held in a rural region of Catalonia, Spain. During 3 months, elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure and their carers experienced the combined benefits of the CONNECARE organizational integrated care model and the eHealth platform supporting it, consisting of a patient self-management app, a set of integrated sensors, and a web-based platform connecting professionals from different settings, or usual care. We assessed changes in health status with the 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12), unplanned visits and admissions during a 6-month follow up, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

RESULTS

A total of 48 patients were included in the integrated care arm and 28 patients receiving usual care were included in the control arm (mean age 82 years, SD 7 years; mean Charlson index 7, SD 2). Integrated care patients showed a significant increase in the SF-12 physical domain with a mean change of +3.7 (SD 8.4) (P=.004) and total SF-12 score with a mean change of +5.8 (SD 12.8) (P=.003); however, the differences in differences between groups were not statistically significant. Integrated care patients had 57% less unplanned visits (P=.004) and 50% less hospital admissions related to their main chronic diseases (P=.32). The integrated care program generated savings in different cost scenarios and the ICER demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of the program.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a patient-centered mHealth-enabled integrated care model empowering the patient, and connecting primary, hospital, and social care professionals reduced unplanned contacts with the health system and health costs, and was cost-effective. These findings support the notion of system-wide cross-organizational care pathways supported by mHealth as a successful way to implement integrated care.
COVID-19 #StayAtHome Restrictions and Deep Vein Thrombosis: Case Report (Preprint)
Authors: Blum Edna , Abdelwahed Youssef S , Spiess Eileen , Mueller-Werdan Ursula , Leistner David M , Rosada Adrian
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered countermeasures like #StayAtHome initiatives, which have changed the whole world. Despite the success of such initiatives in limiting the spread of COVID-19 to #FlattenTheCurve, physicians are now confronted with the adverse effects of the current restrictive pandemic management strategies and social distancing measures.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to draw attention to the particular importance and magnitude of what may be the adverse effects of COVID-19–related policies.

METHODS

We herein report a case of an otherwise healthy 84-year-old woman with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to COVID-19–related directives. #StayAtHome policies and consequential social isolation have diminished our patient’s social life and reduced her healthy movement behaviors. The patient spent long hours in a seated position while focusing on the intensive flow of media information regarding the pandemic.

RESULTS

Reduced mobility due to preventive social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic was the only identified cause of the DVT.

CONCLUSIONS

While evaluating the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and governmentally implemented containment measures, including social isolation and mobility reduction, adverse events should be considered. Digital approaches might play a crucial role in supporting public health.
Electronic Health Record Implementations and Insufficient Training Endanger Nurses’ Well-being: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Heponiemi Tarja , Gluschkoff Kia , Vehko Tuulikki , Kaihlanen Anu-Marja , Saranto Kaija , Nissinen Sari , Nadav Janna , Kujala Sari
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

High expectations have been set for the implementations of health information systems (HIS) in health care. However, nurses have been dissatisfied after implementations of HIS. In particular, poorly functioning electronic health records (EHRs) have been found to induce stress and cognitive workload. Moreover, the need to learn new systems may require considerable effort from nurses. Thus, EHR implementations may have an effect on the well-being of nurses.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the associations of EHR-to-EHR implementations and the sufficiency of related training with perceived stress related to information systems (SRIS), time pressure, and cognitive failures among registered nurses. Moreover, we examined the moderating effect of the employment sector (hospital, primary care, social services, and others) on these associations.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional survey study of 3610 registered Finnish nurses in 2020. EHR implementation was measured by assessing whether the work unit of each respondent had implemented or will implement a new EHR (1) within the last 6 months, (2) within the last 12 months, (3) in the next 12 months, and (4) at no point within the last 12 months or in the forthcoming 12 months. The associations were examined using analyses of covariance adjusted for age, gender, and employment sector.

RESULTS

The highest levels of SRIS (adjusted mean 4.07, SE 0.05) and time pressure (adjusted mean 4.55, SE 0.06) were observed among those who had experienced an EHR implementation within the last 6 months. The lowest levels of SRIS (adjusted mean 3.26, SE 0.04), time pressure (adjusted mean 4.41, SE 0.05), and cognitive failures (adjusted mean 1.84, SE 0.02) were observed among those who did not experience any completed or forthcoming implementations within 12 months. Nurses who perceived that they had received sufficient implementation-related training experienced less SRIS (F1=153.40, P<.001), time pressure (F1=80.95, P<.001), and cognitive failures (F1=34.96, P<.001) than those who had received insufficient training. Recent implementations and insufficient training were especially strongly associated with high levels of SRIS in hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

EHR implementations and insufficient training related to these implementations may endanger the well-being of nurses and even lead to errors. Thus, it is extremely important for organizations to offer comprehensive training before, during, and after implementations. Moreover, easy-to-use systems that allow transition periods, a re-engineering approach, and user involvement may be beneficial to nurses in the implementation process. Training and other improvements would be especially important in hospitals.
Evaluation of Mood Check-in Feature for Participation in Meditation Mobile App Users: Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Huberty Jennifer , Green Jeni , Puzia Megan , Stecher Chad
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness meditation smartphone apps may improve mental health but lack evidence-based behavioral strategies to encourage their regular use for attaining mental health benefits. In October 2019, the Calm mindfulness meditation app introduced a mood check-in feature, but its effects on participation in meditation have yet to be tested.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate how a mood check-in feature impacts meditation behavior in Calm app subscribers.

METHODS

This was a retrospective longitudinal analysis of mobile app usage data from a random sample of first-time subscribers to the Calm app (n=2600) who joined in summer 2018 or summer 2019. The mood check-in feature allows users to rate their mood using an emoji after completing a meditation session and displays a monthly calendar of their past mood check-ins. Regression analyses were used to compare the rate of change in meditation behavior before and after the introduction of mood check-ins and to estimate how usage of mood check-ins was associated with individuals’ future meditation behavior (ie, intent-to-treat effects). Additional regression models examined the heterogenous effect of mood check-ins between subscribers who were active or inactive users prior to the introduction to mood check-ins (ie, above or below the median number of weeks with any meditation within their cohort). In order to confirm the specific associations between mood check-ins and meditation engagement, we modeled the direct relationship between the use of mood check-ins in previous weeks and subsequent meditation behavior (ie, treatment on the treated effects).

RESULTS

During the first 9 months of their subscription, the 2019 cohort completed an average of 0.482 more sessions per week (95% CI 0.309 to 0.655) than the 2018 cohort; however, across both cohorts, average weekly meditation declined (–0.033 sessions per week, 95% CI –0.035 to –0.031). Controlled for trends in meditation before mood check-ins and aggregate differences between the 2018 and 2019 samples, the time trend in the number of weekly meditation sessions increased by 0.045 sessions among the 2019 cohort after the introduction of mood check-ins (95% CI 0.039 to 0.052). This increase in meditation was most pronounced among the inactive subscribers (0.063 sessions, 95% CI 0.052 to 0.074). When controlled for past-week meditation, use of mood check-ins during the previous week was positively associated with the likelihood of meditating the following week (odds ratio 1.132, 95% CI 1.059 to 1.211); however, these associations were not sustained beyond 1 week.

CONCLUSIONS

Using mood check-ins increases meditation participation in Calm app subscribers and may be especially beneficial for inactive subscribers. Mobile apps should consider incorporating mood check-ins to help better engage a wider range of users in app-based meditation, but more research is warranted.
An Imperative for the National Public Health School in Burkina Faso to Promote the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Critical Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Pilabré Arzouma Hermann , Ngangue Patrice , Barro Abibata , Pafadnam Yacouba
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported the positive impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on academic performance and outcomes. Although some equipment is available, the ICTs for education at the National Public Health School (NPHS) of Burkina Faso have many shortcomings. These shortcomings were clearly revealed during the search for responses to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, to curb the spread of COVID-19, some measures were taken, such as closure of educational institutions. This resulted in a 2.5-month suspension of educational activities. Despite its willingness, the NPHS was unable to use ICTs to continue teaching during the closure period of educational institutions.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, we aim to propose practical solutions to promote ICT use in teaching at the NPHS by analyzing the weaknesses and challenges related to its use.

METHODS

We conducted a critical analysis based on information from the gray literature of NPHS. This critical analysis was preceded by a review of systematic reviews on barriers and facilitating factors to using ICTs in higher education and a systematic review of ICT use during the COVID-19 pandemic in higher education. An ICT integration model and a clustering of ICT integration factors guided the analysis.

RESULTS

The weaknesses and challenges identified relate to the infrastructure and equipment for the use of ICTs in pedagogical situations in face-to-face and distance learning; training of actors, namely the teachers and students; availability of qualified resource persons and adequate and specific financial resources; motivation of teachers; and stage of use of ICTs.

CONCLUSIONS

To promote the use of ICTs in teaching at the NPHS, actions must be performed to strengthen the infrastructure and equipment, human resources, the skills of actors and the motivation of teachers in the pedagogical use of ICTs.
Teachers’ Beliefs about Translanguaging: Effects of Language Skills and Instructional Settings
Authors: Torff Bruce , Murphy Audrey Figueroa
Published: January 2021

Experimental research was conducted to examine teachers’ beliefs about classroom activities involving translanguaging, a pedagogical practice in which students use both their home language and second language to communicate, learn academic content, and develop oral and literacy skills in both languages. Teachers (n = 249) completed a survey to rate the effectiveness of translanguaging in general and specifically for students who vary in L1 and L2 proficiency (in this research, Spanish and English). Participants were randomly assigned to respond concerning one of four instructional settings: Bilingual Education (BE), Dual Language (DL), General Education (GE), and English as a Second Language (ESL). In general, translanguaging was viewed as more effective when students’ Spanish skills are strong, although strong English skills also were seen to make it more effective to a lesser extent. Teachers rated translanguaging as generally more effective in DL and BE, likely because these settings explicitly leverage students’ home-language skills. Classroom practices based on these beliefs may exacerbate achievement gaps between high- and low-proficiency populations, by directing the richness of the home language and culture disproportionately to high-proficiency students. Teacher-education practices are needed emphasizing translanguaging for all students regardless of home-language proficiency.
El carisma de la efigie en el libro impreso
Authors: González Treviño Ana Elena
Published: January 2021

Desde los bustos de mármol de la Antigüedad que custodian sus libros en las bibliotecas, la práctica de incluir retratos autorales al lado de las obras literarias sigue vigente. Con el advenimiento del libro impreso, el uso de la efigie cobró mayor importancia hasta convertirse en un paratexto a veces obligado para la interpretación de la obra literaria. Los retratos autorales se basan en procesos de ethopoiesis, o de construcción de carácter, que obedecen a los valores imperantes en el contexto en el que se producen. Algunos modelos típicos de la persona autoral son el poeta laureado, el genio romántico, la monja letrada, la cortesana y la autora exótica; una de las poses adoptadas con mayor frecuencia es la pose melancólica. En este artículo se presentan algunos ejemplos significativos.
O UŽASU SPOZNAJE: SPEKULATIVNI REALIZAM I H. P. LOVECRAFT
Authors: Jelača Matija
Published: January 2021

ON THE HORROR OF KNOWLEDGE: SPECULATIVE REALISM AND H.
P. LOVECRAFT

This paper provides an account of the relation between the philosophy of speculative
realism and H. P. Lovecraft’s poetics of “cosmic horror”. Q. Meillassoux and R.
Brassier are taken as representatives of speculative realism. These two philosophers
share two fundamental presumptions: first, any philosophy that aspires to the name
of “realism” has to provide an answer to the question as to how thought can think a
world without thought; and second, insofar as it reveals that this is indeed possible
– to think a world without thought – science constitutes the greatest challenge
to correlationism. The first two parts of the text provide an account of these two
aspects of Meillassoux’s and Brassier’s projects respectively. The third part reconstructs the basic tenets of Lovecraft’s poetics of “cosmic horror”, first through an
engagement with his numerous (auto)poetic writings on this genre, and then by a
reading of his famous short story “The Call of Cthulhu”. Finally, the conclusion
brings these various threads together in order to show that an explication of the
relation between these three authors facilitates a better understanding of the specifics
of their individual projects.
VISUALIZING POVERTY IN WORDSWORTH’S POETRY
Authors: Domines Veliki Martina
Published: January 2021

VISUALIZING POVERTY IN WORDSWORTH’S POETRY

This paper departs from the assumption that Wordsworth’s poetry is highly visual in its quality and it focuses on his three “great period” poems, “Michael”, “The Old Cumberland Beggar” and “Resolution and Independence” (1798–1805) to show how Wordsworth represents poverty. By taking as its starting point some New Historicist readings of these poems (Simpson, Pfau, Connell, Liu) which highlighted Wordsworth’s blindness to social reality of the poor, it wants to enlarge the scope of historicist readings by introducing the framework of the New Poverty Studies (Korte, Christ). Furthermore, it insists on the assumption that the Romantic need to visualize landscape in the picturesque form becomes an important strategy of “configuring” (Korte) the reality of the poor. In other words, the way in which the poor are represented in Wordsworth’s poetry tells us something about practical engagements with poverty in late eighteenth-century England. Also, Wordsworth’s position of a middle-class observer who builds the tension between the seen and the deliberately unseen aspects of his social surrounding, show us how Wordsworth unconsciously falls under the spell of a larger class-related sensibility and thus fails in his humanitarian project.
Practices for Self-Representation Governors of the Russian Federation in Virtual Social Networks
Authors: Ushkin S. G. , Ushkina V. G.
Published: January 2021

The article substantiates the idea of transformation of public policy in modern Russia, which is associated with the processes of digitalization of both power structures and the population as a whole. Practices of self-representation of governors in the virtual network space are considered. Based on an original approach based on the methodological principles of P. Lazarsfeld, J. Habermas, P. Bourdieu, and E. Goffman examines the popularity of the accounts, the frequency of their updates, the level of social approval records, feedback, etc., and also visual settings — formal or informal nature of the shooting the main photo in the profile, the social distance on it, head position and gaze, emotional background. We use our own data collected in December 2019. Based on the information received, it is concluded that representatives of the Governor’s corps and users of virtual social networks understand the importance of digital transformations of public policy, although this is not directly expressed in expert assessments of their activities. In some cases, governors are effective leaders of public opinion, whose number of subscribers exceeds the audience of many regional traditional media. Also, many of them create conditions for an equal dialogue with the population, independently or with the help of assistants responding to incoming requests.
Investigating the Relationship Between School Effectiveness Professional Learning Communities and School Culture: Context of Teacher Characteristics
Authors: Tabak Hasan , Şahin Fatih
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to test the relationship between school culture (SC), professional learning communities (PLCs), and school effectiveness (SE) in the correlational research model through structural equation modeling. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 358 teachers working at public schools in various provinces of Turkey. Thus, data from a total of 355 teachers were analyzed. In the analysis of the data, the mediator and direct role of the variables were examined through path analysis. Finally, the fourth study hypothesis examined the relationship between these three variables and teacher characteristics. In general, the study results revealed that a supportive, achievement-oriented, and task-oriented SC was important for SE and the exhibiting of PLCs behaviors. In this context, it can be argued that paying attention to these cultural components and applications, which turn teachers into a PLCs, is of significance in making schools effective.
On the first marriage of King Milutin
Authors: Komatina Predrag
Published: January 2021

The paper deals with the problem of the first marriage of the Serbian king
Stephen Uros II (Milutin), mentioned by the Byzantine author George
Pachymeres, with the aim to reinforce the existing thesis that it was a
marriage with a Serbian noble Helen, concluded in the 1270-ies, but divorced
soon after he came to the Serbian throne in 1282. It also provides an
overview of the nature and character of that marriage and the possible
reasons why it was dissolved and declared invalid.
On the relationship between titles and spaces: A case study on Macedonia under King and Emperor Stefan Dusan (1331–1355)
Authors: Popovic Mihailo , Zervan Vratislav , Filiposki Toni
Published: January 2021

The article focuses on historical-geographical aspects of the Serbian
medieval Kingdom and Empire and its relation to Byzantium in Macedonia
during the 14th century. It is structured in four parts: The first is an
introduction to the subject, in which the possible existence of a medieval
Serbian Oecumene in addition to the Byzantine Oecumene is addressed. After
that this hypothesis is discussed in detail in the second part by
introducing a rich variety of Greek, Roman and Byzantine texts, which are
outlining the Roman/Byzantine perception of space and definition of the
borders of the Roman/Byzantine Empire. In the third part of the article
the titles and related geographical entities in the intitulations as well as
signatures of the Serbian King and Emperor Stefan Uros IV Dusan (1331-1355)
in Serbian charters are analysed in order to understand and reconstruct the
perception of space in the expanding Serbian realm during the first half of
the 14th century. Historical regions, which are mentioned in the charters,
are put in relation to the expansion in Byzantine Macedonia. In the fourth
and last part the source-based evidence is connected to the toponymy of
Byzantine Macedonia. Toponyms, which are containing ?Car? (i.e. ?Emperor?),
have been identified and localised in order to discern a pattern of imperial
power and presence in the region. Although there are strong indications that
some of them might refer to the Serbian Emperor Stefan Dusan, it cannot be
excluded that many could be based on the presence of Byzantine Emperors and
Bulgarian rulers in the region. Therefore, the fourth part is to be
understood as a fresh and novel approach towards toponomastic aspects in the
region, which shall stimulate further research in the near future.
Internal Auditing Outsourcing, Nonaudit Services, and Audit Fees
Authors: Abdul Wahab Effiezal Aswadi , Gist Willie. E. , Gul Ferdinand A. , Mat Zain Mazlina
Published: January 2021

This study examines the relationship between outsourced internal audits, nonaudit services, and audit fees. We use Malaysian data to show that client firms that outsource their internal auditing function (IAF) are associated with lower external audit fees than those with in-house IAF. Moreover, this negative relationship is significantly stronger for firms that purchase greater amounts of nonaudit services (NAS) from the auditor. The results suggest that an auditor who provides NAS to a client and thus earns additional overall revenue is willing to accept lower audit fees provided a high audit quality can be achieved through reliance on outsourced IAF.

JEL Classifications: M42.
Audit Partners' Co-Working Experience and Audit Outcomes
Authors: Huang Ting-Chiao , Chen Chen , Kaplan Steven E. , Lin Yi-Hung
Published: January 2021

We examine whether increases in co-working experience between the lead and concurring audit partners affect engagement audit quality and audit efficiency. We define co-working experience as the lead and concurring audit partners having worked together in these roles on previous audit engagements for clients other than the focal client. A priori, increases in co-working experience could increase or decrease audit quality, but are expected to increase audit efficiency. Using data from Taiwan, where the identities of lead and concurring audit partners are known, we find that co-working experience is positively associated with audit quality and audit efficiency. Further, the effects of co-working experience on audit quality and audit efficiency are more pronounced when co-working experience is more intensive, the two partners are more accessible to each other, the audit firm is less experienced with the client or less knowledgeable about the client's industry, or client audit risks are higher.

Data Availability: Data are available from the sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: M4; M42.
eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): A Review and Implications for Future Research
Authors: Hoitash Rani , Hoitash Udi , Morris Landi
Published: January 2021

This study seeks to advance research related to eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL). XBRL is an open standard for reporting structured financial information which enables the efficient gathering of data and automated comparison of financial information. To encourage research using XBRL we describe the richness of XBRL data and sources from which it can be obtained. We follow with a review of the literature, beginning with research examining the adoption and use of XBRL by capital market participants. Next, we discuss data quality concerns that may impact the use of XBRL data, followed by a discussion of how auditors use XBRL data and their potential role in the assurance of the data. We then present literature that uses meta and underlying XBRL data to examine financial statement characteristics and disclosure properties. Based on the review of the literature, we identify topics with the greatest potential for future research.
The Role of Hemoglobin A1c in Operative Patients
Authors: Gill Gurwinder , Moitra Vivek K
Published: January 2021

Patients with diabetes mellitus have abnormal carbohydrate metabolism and systemic complications. Up to 10% of patients who undergo surgery present with occult diabetes mellitus. With poor glucose control, serum and tissue proteins are glycosylated to produce advanced glycosylated end products (AGEs) that contribute to the development of rapidly progressive atherosclerosis and plaque progression. AGEs block nitric oxide activity and have been implicated in the vascular complications of diabetes. The glycosylated fraction of hemoglobin (HbA1c) is formed from the nonenzymatic glycation of hemoglobin residues and reflects long-term (3 months) glucose control and may be a useful screening tool to identify patients with undiagnosed diabetes. An elevated HbA1c is associated with an increased risk of postoperative infectious complications and risk of acute kidney injury, cerebrovascular accidents, and myocardial infarction during the perioperative period.
This review contains 1 figure, 2 tables, and 42 references.
Key words: HbA1c, perioperative hyperglycemia, glycosylated hemoglobin, surgical infection, Diabetes Mellitus, perioperative complications
Enteral and Parenteral Nutritional Support - test
Authors: Berry Cherisse , Diaz Jose J
Published: January 2021

Malnutrition among the critically ill is widely prevalent, resulting in impaired ventilator drive, prolonged ventilator dependence, impaired immunologic function, and increased risk of infection. The initiation of early nutrition therapy, specifically enteral nutrition, decreases the early loss of lean mass, provides calories, and improves patients’ immunity and healing, which is critical for improving morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from critical illness.  Determining nutritional risk using the Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (NUTRIC) score; assessing nutritional needs, including protein and calorie needs, with ongoing reassessments; gaining gastrointestinal access for initiating early enteral therapy with a standard polymeric isotonic or near-isotonic 1 to 1.5 kcal/mL formula for surgical critically ill patients within 24 to 48 hours of admission to the intensive care unit; monitoring for gastrointestinal intolerance and complications; and selecting immunonutrition, specifically arginine and omega-3 fatty acids, for the postoperative surgical critical care patient are key strategies in overcoming malnutrition and improving overall morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.
This review contains 1 figure, 3 tables, and 52 references.
Key words: enteral nutrition, immunonutrition, nutritional assessment, nutritional risk, refeeding syndrome
Acute Lower Back Pain
Authors: Martel John W. , Hynes Caitlin
Published: January 2021

Lower back pain is common, with up to 8% of the adult population in the United States reporting at least one episode of acute back pain within the last year. This is associated with considerable burden to the health care system. The majority of patients who experience back pain have no clear etiology for their symptoms; although symptoms tend to improve within 4 to 6 weeks, they also tend to recur. This review covers the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment, and disposition and outcomes of acute lower back pain. Figures show magnetic resonance images of L4/L5 disk herniation, spinal neoplasm, and epidural abscess; schematics of cauda equina syndrome associated with central disk herniation and disk herniation causing unilateral radicular symptoms due to nerve root compression; and dermatomal symptoms associated with L4-S1 nerve root compromise. Tables list red flag signs and symptoms of acute back pain, emergent causes of acute back pain, Waddell signs suggestive of nonorganic back pain, neurologic examination findings associated with L1-S1 nerve roots, pros and cons of treatment options for musculoskeletal and radicular back pain, and indications for surgery for patients with spinal epidural abscess and vertebral osteomyelitis.
This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 6 tables, and 98 references.
Toxic Plants and Mushrooms
Authors: King Marie , Church Richard
Published: January 2021

Many species of plants and mushrooms exist that, when consumed, can induce poisoning in individuals, causing a range of side effects. As the toxins do not always correspond to an antidote, it is important to have the ability to identify each harmful species to determine the appropriate treatment. This review gives an overview of some of the more prevalent toxic plants and mushrooms, detailing their principles of toxicity, recommendations for immediate stabilization, keys to proper diagnosis and definitive therapy, and patient disposition and outcomes. Figures show photographs of the various toxic plants and mushrooms featured. Tables show a list of toxic species for both plants and mushrooms, including their common names, the toxins contained within, their effects, and the corresponding antidote (if any).
This review contains 16 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 44 references.
The Suicidal Patient
Authors: Brooks Jessica , Gitlin David
Published: January 2021

Suicidal ideation is a common psychiatric emergency seen across a broad range of patients. Although admission to a dedicated psychiatric unit is preferable, patients with suicidal ideation are often admitted to internal medicine or family medicine services, either for management of comorbid medical conditions or because of a lack of available psychiatry beds. Primary care physicians and emergency physicians are particularly likely to encounter suicidal patients, given their high clinical volume and the relatively high prevalence of suicidality in their community of patients. In addition, many patients who present with nonpsychiatric complaints will also have concurrent suicidal ideation. This review discusses the approach to the patient, and definitive treatment, disposition, and outcomes. Figures show suicide in 2010 was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 38,364 deaths, men are more likely to use firearms and hanging, while women are more likely to attempt suicide by poisoning, and suicide is more common in whites and Native Americans compared to Hispanics or Asians. 
This review contains 3 figures, 6 tables, and 45 references.
Keywords: Suicide, suicidal ideation, depression, overdose, suicidal management, mental health
The Risk Of Surgery In Patients With Liver Disease 1: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, And Pre-Operative Evaluation
Authors: Reuben Adrian
Published: January 2021

The results of retrospective large scale registry and cohort studies, and small case series, substantiate the common perception that operating on a liver disease patient is risky.  The preexisting physiological derangements of liver disease may be exacerbated by the trauma of surgery and its complications, which contributes strongly to the aforementioned surgical risks, especially (but not exclusively) in cirrhotics.  Perturbations in liver blood flow and oxygenation may be exaggerated by anesthesia, surgery itself, blood loss, and other operative complications. Cirrhotics are especially susceptible to acute and chronic kidney injury.  Malnutrition is common in cirrhosis, which compromises wound healing and recovery from surgery. In cirrhosis, elimination of infection is impaired and its systemic effects are deleterious. The metabolic and immunological stresses of surgery may lead to liver function deterioration, even in stable cirrhotics. Presented here is the pre-operative evaluation of liver disease patients, including the use of predictive indices, new dynamic tests of liver function, and modestly invasive assessment of portal hypertension. 

This review contains 9 figures, 6 tables and 52 references
Keywords: acute-on-chronic liver failure, Child-Turcotte-Pugh, cirrhosis, coagulopathy, infection, hepatic venous pressure gradient, liver blood flow, model for end-stage liver disease, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, thrombocytopenia
Drug Dosing in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Gabardi Steven , Sadegh Marjan , Azzi Jamil , Stevens Craig A
Published: January 2021

The prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) among hospitalized patients has increased sharply over the past 10 to 20 years. One complicating factor in this population is that many pharmacologic agents that are administered to these patients are handled, to some degree, by the kidneys. These medications may experience altered pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles in patients with renal dysfunction, increasing the chances of drug misadventures. Historically, drug dosing in patients with AKI has been approached in the same manner as in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). The majority of dosing recommendations for AKI have been extrapolated from studies performed in patients with stable CRI. Renal drug clearance, composed of glomerular filtration, tubular secretion, and renal drug metabolism, is affected by renal dysfunction. It is clear that there is a reduction in renal clearance of drugs and toxins in both AKI and CRI. However, the type of renal dysfunction may affect other parameters of drug handling. Thus, dosing stratagems extrapolated from patients with CRI may result in subtherapeutic drug concentrations and ineffective treatment. Achieving a balance between under- and overdosing requires rigorous monitoring and individualized dosing. 
Key words: acute kidney injury, drug dosing, pharmacokinetics
Women with Disabilities
Authors: Iezzoni Lisa I.
Published: January 2021

Women with disabilities face substantial barriers to obtaining health care services. They are more likely than nondisabled women to smoke cigarettes, to be obese or overweight, to be physically inactive, and to report depressive symptoms, anxiety, and fears. Women with disabilities are often stigmatized as being asexual and experience higher rates of domestic partner and in-home abuse. Physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers within the health care system may prevent women with disabilities from receiving the care they need. This module discusses the definition of disability, prevalence and demographics of disability among US women, health conditions and risk factors, and general considerations in caring for women with disabilities. Selected health issues in caring for women with disabilities, including reproductive and parental rights, menstruation and fertility, contraception, preconception counseling, and menopause, are also discussed. Tables review components of the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability, examples of disability definitions, disability indicators using National Health Interview Survey data, health conditions causing chronic mobility disability for women ages 18 to 49, comorbid health conditions reported among women with and without disability, mental health conditions reported by women with and without disability, examples of women’s experiences with inaccessible medical equipment, examples of communication accommodations, and accessible labeling of prescription drug containers. Figures include the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability model of disability and graphs showing the percentage of women with basic action difficulties (BADs); with one or more BADs; with complex action limitations; with BADs by racial and ethnic groups; with indicated level of education and income among women with and without BADs; with indicated level of self-reported overall health among women with BADs; by smoking status among women with and without BADs; in body mass index category among women with and without BADs; with indicated physical activity level among women with and without BADs; with indicated heath care service use and lacking health insurance among women with and without BADs; and receiving Pap smears, mammography screening, and colon cancer screening among women with and without BADs.
This review contains 12 highly rendered figures, 9 tables, and 86 references.
Clinical Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: McKay Rana R. , Kaymakcalan Marina D , Velasco Guillermo De , Mickey Suzanne S , Fay Andre P , Choueiri Toni K.
Published: January 2021

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, and its incidence has continued to increase in the United States. Well-defined risk factors include smoking, obesity, and hypertension. There have been significant developments in the management of RCC over the past decade, pertaining to both patients with localized disease and those with advanced disease. In particular, agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways have considerably improved survival for patients with metastatic disease. This review covers the epidemiology and pathogenesis of RCC, management of both localized and advanced disease, selection and sequencing of systemic therapy, non–clear cell RCC, and new targets and future directions for RCC. Figures show the morphologic features of RCC, the pathogenesis of RCC, and a huge primary RCC occupying a substantial part of the abdominal cavity. Tables include a summary of clinical and molecular characteristics of hereditary RCC syndromes and randomized phase III trials of approved first-line treatments in metastatic RCC.
This review contains 3 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 59 references.
Myoclonus
Authors: Shibasaki Hiroshi , Koning-Tijssen Marina A J
Published: January 2021

Myoclonus is defined as sudden, brief, jerky, shocklike, involuntary movements involving the extremities, face, and trunk, without loss of consciousness. Myoclonus is one of the most commonly encountered involuntary movements, and it can be seen in association with a variety of conditions. This review covers  the epidemiology, classification, and diagnosis of myoclonus, as well as a thorough discussion of cortical myoclonus, myoclonus of brainstem origin, myoclonus of spinal cord origin, and myoclonus of undetermined origin. Figures show the principle of jerk-locked back-averaging, example data of jerk-lock averaging, schematic diagrams of cortical reflex myoclonus and spontaneous cortical myoclonus, a polygraphic electromyogram (EMG) recorded from a patient with postanoxic, reticular reflex myoclonus, surface negative slow electroencephalographic (EEG) potentials recorded before psychogenic jerks and voluntary movements mimicking the jerks in a patient with a diagnosis of psychogenic truncal movements, and an EEG-EMG polygraph in a patient with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Tables list the classification of myoclonus based on the estimated site of origin, causes of cortical myoclonus, and causes of progressive myoclonus epilepsy and gene abnormalities.
Key words: cortical myoclonus, EEG-EMG polygraph, epilepsy syndromes, involuntary movements, myoclonus
This review contains 6 highly rendered figures, 3 tables, and 63 references.
Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Nishiura José Luiz , Pfeferman Heilberg Ita
Published: January 2021

Nephrolithiasis is a highly prevalent condition, but its incidence varies depending on race, gender, and geographic location. Approximately half of patients form at least one recurrent stone within 10 years of the first episode. Renal stones are usually composed of calcium salts (calcium oxalate monohydrate or dihydrate, calcium phosphate), uric acid, or, less frequently, cystine and struvite (magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate). Calcium oxalate stones, the most commonly encountered ones, may result from urinary calcium oxalate precipitation on the Randall plaque, which is a hydroxyapatite deposit in the interstitium of the kidney medulla. Uric acid nephrolithiasis, which is common among patients with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus, is caused by an excessively acidic urinary pH as a renal manifestation of insulin resistance. The medical evaluation of the kidney stone patient must be focused on identifying anatomic abnormalities of the urinary tract, associated systemic diseases, use of lithogenic drugs or supplements, and, mostly, urinary risk factors such as low urine volume, hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria, hypocitraturia, hyperoxaluria, and abnormalities in urine pH that can be affected by dietary habits, environmental factors, and genetic traits. Metabolic evaluation requires a urinalysis, stone analysis (if available), serum chemistry, and urinary parameters, preferably obtained by two nonconsecutive 24-hour urine collections under a random diet. Targeted medication and dietary advice are effective to reduce the risk of recurrence. Clinical, radiologic, and laboratory follow-ups are needed to prevent stone growth and new stone formation, to assess treatment adherence or effectiveness to dietary recommendations, and to allow adjustment of pharmacologic treatment.
This review contains 5 highly rendered figure, 3 tables, and 105 references.