bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mode-switch model predictive controller with “pre-contact” method for alleviating driveline vibration of electric vehicles considering backlash
Authors: Lu Xingyang , Lu Tongli , Chai Benben
Published: February 2020

The backlash between engaging components in a driveline is inevitable and contributes to the nonlinearity of the driveline. The existing motor controllers of an electric vehicle usually ignore the backlash, which often brings impacts and vibration. This paper proposes an active driveline vibration controller for electric vehicles. A nonlinear driveline model considering backlash and wheel slip ratio is established in MATLAB/Simulink, and the results of bench test proved that the model could effectively reflect the transient dynamics of the electric driveline. Based on this model, a dual extended Kalman filter observer is designed to estimate both the system state variables and vehicle mass, which are essential information for the controller design. Then, a mode-switch model predictive controller based on two linearized models is proposed to alleviate the impacts and vibration caused by the transient change of motor torque. The proposed controller would identify whether the driveline is operating in “contact mode” or “backlash mode” and thus generates an optimal motor torque by solving a Quadratic Programing. Note that the control targets and model structures in two modes are different. Furthermore, a “pre-contact” method is proposed as an additional part to handle the condition when motor command torque is zero. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed controller can effectively alleviate the impacts and vibration in the electric driveline while keeping the torque delay negligible. Moreover, the robustness of the proposed controller against estimation errors and system noises are discussed.
Diagnosis of some genital-tract infections: part 2. Molecular tests and the new challenges
Authors: Taylor-Robinson David , Horner Patrick , Pallecaros Anna
Published: February 2020

Promptly and accurately diagnosing genital-tract infections is key to instituting appropriate treatment and control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Ano-genital tract testing for STIs in the last two decades has not entirely moved away from insensitive methods but it is now at least dominated by highly sensitive molecular methods. These tests can be ordered through the internet for use at home, with self-taken specimens then returned, usually by post, to a clinic or laboratory for testing. The increasing ease of access of the public to this situation, together with increasing on-line health-seeking behaviour, has resulted in a gap between commercial and NHS management pathways for STIs. Crucially, patients who order multiplex test kits on-line for use at home, and other non-specialists, may not realize that it is worthwhile testing only for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and possibly Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium if the person is symptomatic or their current partner is infected. The detection and recommended treatment of micro-organisms which to some extent are part of the genital-tract microbiome, such as Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma spp. or Gardnerella vaginalis, which do not cause symptoms in the majority of those infected, cannot be recommended. We argue that a shift from specialist-led to patient- and non-specialist-led STI management, in the presence of a clinical leadership vacuum, has increased the risk of inappropriate and unnecessary treatment which will drive macrolide, tetracycline and metronidazole antimicrobial resistance. However, in the past 5–6 years several groups have been able to show the value of on-line testing as a consequence of targeting the most important micro-organisms and using molecular tests to allow rapid and appropriately informed treatment. This should herald a brighter future, although there is still a need for leadership to expertly guide commercial and NHS sectors alike. In turn, this requires dedicated genito-urinary medicine commissioning to be maintained at a time when it appears to be most under threat.
How Firm Are the Foundations of Mind-Set Theory? The Claims Appear Stronger Than the Evidence
Authors: Burgoyne Alexander P. , Hambrick David Z. , Macnamara Brooke N.
Published: February 2020

Mind-set refers to people’s beliefs about whether attributes are malleable ( growth mind-set) or unchangeable (  fixed mind-set). Proponents of mind-set theory have made bold claims about mind-set’s importance. For example, one’s mind-set is described as having profound effects on one’s motivation and achievements, creating different psychological worlds for people, and forming the core of people’s meaning systems. We examined the evidentiary strength of six key premises of mind-set theory in 438 participants; we reasoned that strongly worded claims should be supported by equally strong evidence. However, no support was found for most premises. All associations ( rs) were significantly weaker than .20. Other achievement-motivation constructs, such as self-efficacy and need for achievement, have been found to correlate much more strongly with presumed associates of mind-set. The strongest association with mind-set ( r = −.12) was opposite from the predicted direction. The results suggest that the foundations of mind-set theory are not firm and that bold claims about mind-set appear to be overstated.
Health information behavior of speakers of endangered languages
Authors: Burke Mary
Published: February 2020

With the advent of increased attention towards language endangerment comes the need for a better understanding of how speakers of endangered languages interact with information, specifically health information resources. This paper builds on health information behavior literature and participatory research models with indigenous communities to develop strategies for future work with indigenous communities of speakers of endangered languages, proposing a participatory methodology for future work with these communities related to health, using ethnographic interviews and focus groups. Lack of infrastructure, multilingualism, and distrust of outsiders are found to be major barriers between this population and health information resources. Approaching health information behavior research with an interdisciplinary and participatory model incorporating ethnographic and linguistic field methods into traditional information behavior methodologies can mitigate the challenges these barriers present. Understanding the health information behavior of speakers of endangered languages will aid in future efforts to make health information resources accessible to wider audiences and to document indigenous knowledge. Currently, fieldwork with speakers of endangered languages is confined to linguistic and anthropological investigation. Through the proposed methodology, community members can work alongside linguists and information professionals to create culturally appropriate health information resources in their native language.
Determinants of Governance Parameters Towards Investor’s Performance in Perspective of Regulatory and Legal Framework
Authors: Parida Jiban Kumar , Vyas Vishal
Published: February 2020

The study aims to extract the main determinants of governance index in relation to regulatory and legal framework, which influence the performance of investors in larger way. The driver of governance factors has been studied and tested empirically by using factor analysis method (Exploratory Factor Analysis). To achieve this, Quantitative data have been collected by distributing questionnaire to a suitable sample size of 317 respondents who have at least 3 years of investment experience in Indian stock market and data collection period was over last 6 month of 2017. For preparing the questionnaire, the study considers the corporate governance index scale by Standard & Poor’s agency which was worldwide accepted. The study provides a useful direction to retail investors, investment professionals/planners and companies regarding the knowledge about governance-related factors that are specific to the causal effect between mentioned governance construct and market returns. Further it implies that good governance system helps investors during their investment decision-making process particularly in emerging markets for getting higher return, money protection and deterrence from fraudulent market activities.
Linking Level of Engagement, HR Practices and Employee Performance Among High-potential Employees in Malaysian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Othman Siti Amirah , Mahmood Nik Hasnaa Nik
Published: February 2020

In most of the years, Malaysia acknowledges the contribution of manufacturing industries, and it always set as the bellwethers of the economic growth in Malaysia. Under Malaysia’s national agenda, the manufacturing sector is expected to increase productivity per person by 30 per cent in the next 7 years. Employee performance analogically contributed to the overall organization survival and collaterally to the industrial performance. This article investigates the association between level of engagement, human resource (HR) practices and employee performance among high-potential employees in Malaysian manufacturing sector. The present study employs a purposive sampling technique in choosing the high-potential employees from the executive and managerial level. Additionally, cross sectional survey was used for collecting quantitative data and a total of 252 out of 400 self-administered research questionnaires were returned which produce response rate at 63 per cent. Partial least squares structural equation modelling SmartPLS statistical software was used to analyze the data. The results indicated full support for two direct relationships and two indirect relationships. Therefore, the findings for this research study offered useful insight for academicians, HR practitioners and organizations and benefited to the manufacturing industry.
Promoting China’s Inclusive Finance Through Digital Financial Services
Authors: Hasan Md. Morshadul , Yajuan Lu , Khan Shajib
Published: February 2020

While much progress has been made in promoting inclusive finance through the ownership of a basic personal account, billions of people in developed and emerging markets are still underrepresented in financial services. Also, they are unable to contribute to the provision of better access to financial services. The purpose of this study was defined as to explore the contribution of digital financial services (DFSs) in promoting inclusive finance in China. This study presents a theoretical discussion on how DFSs play an important role in promoting China’s inclusive finance. This study uses the systematic review method of qualitative sampling to achieve the goal of this study. Different forces play different roles behind the promotion of inclusive finance. However, DFSs are considered to be one of the most influential forces in the development of inclusive finance in the present world. Many examples of how DFS can improve inclusive finance are discussed in the literature. In addition, different contributions to DFS usage are presented here to achieve the objectives of this study. The contents of the study contributed to a better understanding of the practical impact and implication of DFS tools in transforming the financial sector. In this study, first, a structured review method is followed; second, most important discussion on the contribution of DFS in promoting inclusive finance is presented and third, the relation between the topic and related research is identified.
A Baseline Survey on Postharvest Handling of Selected Vegetables at Different Locations of Bangladesh
Authors: Amin M. N. , Hossain M. A. , Miah M. A. Monayem
Published: February 2020

Proper postharvest processing and handling are important parts of modern agricultural production. The adoption of improved postharvest practices can reduce a substantial amount of food losses, improve overall food quality and safety, enhance consumers’ acceptance, and thus add to the value of the marketable products. A baseline survey was conducted on vegetable production, sorting, washing and packaging at four vegetable growing districts such as Narsingdi District, Bogra, Jashore District and Pabna to generate some baseline indicators which will help developing a mechanical device for vegetable washing. Two upazilas from each district were purposively selected based on the existence of primary and secondary vegetable markets. Primary data were collected from randomly selected 71 farmers, 30 Beparis/Paikers and 20 retailers. The study revealed that vegetable washing is generally practiced by farmers and Paikers and it varied from location to location. Sorting and grading of vegetables were done by either farmers or Beparis/Paikers. In all locations, red amaranth and root crops (carrot and radish) were washed by farmers to get a better price. Farmers and traders used bamboo basket, plastic crate, plastic bag and jute sack for packaging of selected vegetables. Washing and grading of vegetables was a profitable activity for the farmers.
The Twelve Steps and Adolescent Recovery: A Concise Review
Authors: Nash Angela J
Published: February 2020

Recovery and long-term remission are the goals of treatment for substance use disorders, yet the majority of treated adolescents never stop using or resume using substances quickly after treatment. Thus, continuing care or recovery support services are common post-treatment recommendations for this group. Almost half of people who resolved significant substance use problems did so through participation in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These recovery support programs are available online and in communities around the world. Yet <2% of these programs’ members are under 21 years old. To help clinicians understand the 12-step explanatory model and facilitate clinical decision making on whether or when to refer individuals to these groups, this article summarizes the 12-step philosophy and practices and provides a concise review of research on adolescents’ involvement in 12-step groups, including qualitative work that illuminates adolescents’ reasons for resisting or engaging in 12-step practices.
Lipophilic Antioxidants and Cognitive Function in the Elderly
Authors: Niemchick Karen L , Riemersma Carla , Lasker Grace A
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To determine the relationship between blood serum lipophilic antioxidant levels and cognitive function (CF) in older adults aged 60 and above guided by the oxidative stress theory of aging.

Methods:

Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( n = 291) for older adults aged 60 and above were examined using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression to determine whether blood serum antioxidant status predicted CF while controlling for age, sex, race, hypertension, smoking status, and body mass index.

Results:

Alpha-tocopherol, retinyl palmitate, trans-lycopene, and retinyl stearate were all significantly correlated with CF. After controlling for covariates, α-tocopherol and retinyl palmitate were associated with CF. Age, sex, and current smoking status were significant predictors of CF.

Conclusions:

The benefits of antioxidants in CF may be a part of nutritional recommendations which include α-tocopherol and retinyl palmitate for delay of CI, and subsequently a better quality of life.
Application of topological optimisation methodology to infinitely wide slider bearings operating under compressible flow
Authors: Kalliorinne Kalle , Pérez-Ràfols Francesc , Fabricius John , Almqvist Andreas
Published: February 2020

It has been over a century since the interest in inventing the optimal topology for bearings arose. A significant achievement was published by Lord Rayleigh, who found the step-bearing geometry which maximise the load-carrying capacity when the classical Reynolds equation is used to model thin film flow of an iso-viscous and incompressible fluid. Since then, new optimisation methods considering some variants of governing equations for finding the best possible bearings have surfaced, one of which will be presented in this paper. Here, two different formulations for compressible flow, i.e. ideal gas and constant bulk modulus compressibility, as well as the classical Reynolds formulation will be used in combination with the method of moving asymptotes for topological optimisation. All three of these problem formulations provide us with unique geometries, which either maximise the load-carrying capacity or minimise friction, for fluids with a wide variety of compressibility.
Impact of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation on disability and brain atrophy in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mariottini Alice , Filippini Stefano , Innocenti Chiara , Forci Benedetta , Mechi Claudia , Barilaro Alessandro , Fani Arianna , Carlucci Giovanna , Saccardi Riccardo , Massacesi Luca , Repice Anna Maria
Published: February 2020

Background:

Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is a valuable option in aggressive relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), but its efficacy in secondary progressive (SP)-MS is still controversial.

Objective:

Assessing efficacy of aHSCT in SP-MS by clinical-radiological outcomes.

Methods:

Open-label monocentric retrospective study enrolling consecutive SP-MS patients treated with BEAM-aHSCT in the period 1999–2016.

Results:

In total, 26 SP-MS patients with moderate–severe disability were included. Progression-free survival (PFS) at years 5 and 10 after aHSCT were, respectively, 42% and 30%. Out of 16 patients who worsened, only 6 patients (23% overall) maintained continuous disability accrual (CDA), whereas 10 patients stabilized following one single-step Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) worsening. CDA-free survival was 74% at 5–10 years. No relapses or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity were reported, thus no evidence of disease activity (NEDA)-3 corresponded to PFS. Annualized rate of brain atrophy (AR-BVL) normalized after 1 year in 55% of the cases analysed (12/22).

Conclusion:

BEAM-aHSCT halted CDA and normalized AR-BVL in most of the treated patients, inducing long-term remission of inflammatory activity at a median follow-up of 99 months (range 27–222). These data suggest that CDA might still be mainly driven by inflammation in a subgroup of SP-MS and could therefore be reversed by treatments. CDA should be analysed independently from any isolated disability worsening.
Effects of magnanimous therapy on emotional, psychosomatic and immune functions of lung cancer patients
Authors: Huang Xuewei , Liu Qianyu , Li Wendy Wen , Wu Lanlan , Yan Anni
Published: February 2020

This study was a randomised controlled study on the effects of the individual computer magnanimous therapy and group computer magnanimous therapy on emotional, psychosomatic and immune function among advanced lung cancer patients. Patients were examined at baseline and 2 weeks later using the Psychosomatic Status Scale for Cancer Patients, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and IgA, IgG, IgM and natural killer cell functions. The results showed that individual computer magnanimous therapy and group computer magnanimous therapy were beneficial for advanced lung cancer patients in improving depression, anxiety, psychosomatic status and immune functions. The improvements of immune functions may be related to the improvements of the participants’ emotional and psychosocial status.
Beyond basic communication: The role of the mother tongue in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Authors: Tannenbaum Michal , Har Eden
Published: February 2020

Immigration is a crisis-prone, complex process, often involving the need to acquire a new language, frequently at the expense of the mother tongue. Thus, the phenomenon of immigrants requiring various forms of mental health assistance while having limited fluency in the therapist’s language is widespread. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has become a widely prevalent therapeutic approach in many countries, including countries absorbing immigrants. This article reviews case studies that relate to the use of CBT with immigrants, both in individual and group sessions, focusing on the position of the patient’s mother tongue in the process. Research has persistently shown that the mother tongue is emotionally significant—using it, being exposed to it, expressing emotions and understanding emotions expressed in it, having access to it and to memories encoded in it, and the like. Given these dimensions, it plays a potentially important role in the therapeutic process. The pivotal question, then, is whether a therapeutic process that is essentially emotional can be effective if the mother tongue is not an inherent part of it. This article addresses this issue while examining the mother tongue’s position in CBT, the therapists’ awareness of these issues, the accommodations, if any, made in this regard, the therapists’ point of view, and suggestions for improving the use of CBT with immigrants. It is written to be of relevance to a diverse audience including researchers from varied disciplinary backgrounds, therapists who work with multilingual patients (especially immigrants or members of other minority groups) or are multilingual themselves. Our aims, therefore, are to contribute to the theoretical understanding of the mother tongue’s centrality in emotional processes and to offer some practical recommendations for therapists and training institutions.
Next steps in the development of the social determinants of health approach: the need for a new narrative
Authors: Lundberg Olle
Published: February 2020

During the past 15–20 years the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) framework has become the main approach to understand health inequalities. With this model a range of factors important for health and inequalities in health over the life-course have been connected into a larger framework. Despite its usefulness and popularity within the field, and wide use in influential reviews, the SDoH framework has not been easy to communicate to stakeholders in other sectors, and we cannot as yet see much of substantial societal change as a result of it. In this Commentary I try to discuss possible reasons behind our difficulties to communicate the SDoH perspective. Some of these reasons relate to how we frame and present the different parts of the framework, others are more linked to common beliefs and practices that I think we should rethink. In both cases, I believe that we would benefit from a more general discussion around these fundamental issues, both in order to communicate our important insights but also to better understand our own key study objective, namely how health inequalities are generated, sustained and potentially reduced.
European solidarity as boundary-making: A conjoint analysis of attitudes towards Islam in the context of the ‘refugee crisis’
Authors: Krzyzowski Lukasz , Nowicka Magdalena
Published: February 2020

The arrival of refugees from predominantly Muslim countries in the core of Europe has fuelled discussions on European solidarity. This article explores the sources of solidarity in Europe in the aftermath of the ‘refugee crisis’ of 2015. By focusing on migrants’ attitudes towards refugees, the article considers solidarity in light of contradictory public discourses on refugees in Europe. Drawing on data from a survey among Polish migrants residing in Germany and applying a conjoint analysis, the article demonstrates that religion and gender are the main criteria for boundary-making between the respondents and the refugees. In this process, national and ethnic identities are subordinated to the idea of belonging to an imagined Christian community. Our results suggest that new exclusionary solidarities shaped by boundary-making between Christians and Muslim refugees are being established within Europe. As a result, Islamophobia emerges as a transnational European exclusionary project evading ethnic and national boundaries.
Journalists, harassment, and emotional labor: The case of women in on-air roles at US local television stations
Authors: Miller Kaitlin C , Lewis Seth C
Published: February 2020

At a time of growing threats to the press worldwide, including in supposedly ‘safe’ developed democracies, this article explores the nature of harassment perpetrated by strangers, one-time sources, and viewers against women broadcast journalists working at US local television stations. The study investigates the emotional labor – the work of managing one’s emotions to keep others happy – that is required for journalists negotiating such harassment. Through qualitative interviews, our research shows that women in such roles face four main types of harassment: (1) disruptive in-person harassment, (2) physical and abrasive in-person harassment, (3) online harassment as unwanted sexual advances, and (4) online harassment as threats and criticisms. We find that women perform a significant degree of emotional labor as they regularly deal with harassment and simultaneously attempt to mitigate or prevent further harassment.
Newsworthiness and story prominence: How the presence of news factors relates to upfront position and length of news stories
Authors: Boukes Mark , Jones Natalie P , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: February 2020

The presence of news factors in journalistic products has been abundantly researched, but investigations into their actual impact on the news production process are scarce. This study provides a large-scale analysis of why news factors matter: Whether, how, and which news factors affect the prominence of news items and does this differ per outlet type? A manual content analysis of print, online, and television news demonstrates that a larger total number of news factors in a story positively predict an item’s length and likelihood of front-page publication or likelihood of being a newscast’s opening item. News factors ‘conflict’ and ‘eliteness’ have the strongest impact, mixed evidence was found for ‘proximity’ and ‘personification’, whereas relationships with ‘negativity’, ‘influence and relevance’, and ‘continuity’ were mostly insignificant. Fewer differences than expected emerged between outlet types (popular vs quality press). Especially for television news, outlet type (public vs commercial broadcaster) hardly mattered.
Reporting on mental health difficulties, mental illness and suicide: Journalists’ accounts of the challenges
Authors: O’ Brien Anne
Published: February 2020

Media depictions of mental health difficulties and suicide are an important element in shaping how the public understands the issues and how relevant agencies devise strategies to advocate and reduce stigma. The role of the media in the production and reproduction of stereotypical portrayals of mental health difficulties and suicide has been of concern for a number of decades. However, relatively little research attention has been paid to date to the process through which stories on mental illness and suicide are produced by journalists. This article aims to contribute to that analysis by focusing on Irish journalists’ experiences of and insights into the challenges underpinning reporting on mental health difficulties and suicide. Despite some generic and platform differences, journalists noted that their output was shaped by a number of factors, which included, sensitivity to the topic of suicide; care for families; balancing public and private interests; challenges to reporting facts, finding appropriate sources and meeting the needs of media platforms; interpreting guidelines on reporting and the discovery of the relative absence of mental illness stories. Understanding how journalists deal with these challenges can help them and advocacy agencies to address these challenges and thereby improve the nature of coverage of mental health difficulties and suicide in media output.
A novel routing protocol considering the boundary effects for ad hoc networks
Authors: Wang Qingwen , Yu Haitao
Published: February 2020

To alleviate the broadcast storm problem in the route discovery process, this article proposes a novel routing protocol considering the boundary effects for ad hoc networks, named NRP. The novelty of NRP lies in the following: first, NRP defines a forwarding area criterion considering the effects of the node transmission area boundary to reduce the broken links due to the mobility of nodes; second, NRP adopts the idea of a piecewise function to estimate the node degree when the nodes are in the center, borderline, and corner areas, respectively, which considers the effects of both network boundaries and node communication boundaries without broadcasting Hello messages periodically; third, NRP applies the static game forwarding strategy to calculate the forwarding probability during the route discovery process. NRP reduces the redundant retransmissions and collision probability among neighboring nodes, thus improving the forwarding efficiency. The extensive simulation results by NS-2 simulator have shown that NRP performs better than AODV + FDG, AODV + Hello, ad hoc on-demand distance vector, ad hoc on-demand multipath distance vector, and energy-efficient ant-based routing in terms of packet delivery ratio, routing overhead, normalized medium access control load, throughput, and network lifetime.
Methodological Rigor in Mixed Methods: An Application in Management Studies
Authors: Harrison Robert L. , Reilly Timothy M. , Creswell John W.
Published: February 2020

As mixed methods continues to grow as a discipline, work to define what constitutes quality mixed methods research has become an emergent conversation. While progress has been made in this area, there has been some debate as to what quality entails and how to achieve it. This article contributes to mixed methods by highlighting the importance of rigor as an interdisciplinary baseline for quality evaluation and proposes a rigorous mixed methods framework. This framework is then applied to the management studies literature to give insight into a literature base where mixed methods research is still relatively nascent. Findings give examples of current practices in management studies as well as an example of how the rigorous mixed methods framework can be operationalized.
Effects of Radon From Hot Springs on Lymphocyte Subsets in Peripheral Blood
Authors: Piao Chunnan , Tian Mei , Gao Hongjun , Gao Yanxiao , Ruan Jianlei , Wu Lina , Gao Gang , Yi Lirong , Liu Jianxiang
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To analyze changes in immune functions by detecting lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of residents in the vicinity of radon from hot springs.

Methods:

Two groups were randomly selected; 61 residents in the vicinity of the hot springs were assigned to the radon group, and 51 residents with a similar lifestyle and habits but no contact with hot springs were assigned to the control group. The percentages of lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+CD8−, CD4−CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, and TCR/CD3) in the 2 groups were evaluated on a FACS Aria flow cytometer. The absolute values of lymphocytes (LYMPH#) and percentages of lymphocytes (LYMPH%) were measured by an automatic blood analyzer.

Results:

In the radon group, the numbers of CD3+ ( Z = −0.140, P > .05) and CD4+CD8− ( Z = −0.964, P > .05) T cells were higher, as compared with the controls, but this difference was not significant. In addition, the number of CD4−CD8+ ( t = −2.141, P < .05) T cells was significantly lower in the radon group. Furthermore, the average ratios of CD4+/CD8+ ( t = −2.201, P < .05) and TCR/CD3 ( t = 2.047, P < .05) cells were significantly higher in the radon group than in the controls. Compared with the control group, the LYMPH# ( t = −0.485, P > .05) and LYMPH% (Z = −0.835, P > .05) showed no significant change.

Conclusion:

Radon-rich hot springs could alter the proportions of lymphocyte subsets and possibly affect immunologic functions.
Methods and clinical outcomes of in situ fenestration for aortic arch revascularization during thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Li HL , Chan YC , Jia HY , Cheng SW
Published: February 2020

Objective

Despite endovascular advances in fenestrated and branched devices, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for arch pathologies remains challenging. The aim of this study was to provide a contemporary review on the current evidence for in situ fenestration during TEVAR and to evaluate its short- and mid-term clinical outcome in the management of arch pathology.

Methods

A systematic literature review on in situ fenestration of thoracic aortic stent-graft from January 2003 to September 2018 was performed under the instruction of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement.

Results

Our initial search yielded 169 studies, of which 21 articles were relevant to the topic and were finally included. One hundred and forty-five in situ fenestration procedures in 99 patients were reviewed, involving 25 innominate arteries (17%), 33 left common carotid arteries (23%) and 87 left subclavian arteries (60%). Twelve patients (12/99, 12%) had two-vessel fenestration and three-vessel fenestration was performed in 17 patients (17/99, 17%). Technical success was achieved in 136 arteries (136/145, 93%). Talent/Valiant with monofilament twill woven polyester fabric was the most common (50/99, 51%) stent-graft used for fenestration. Three methods reported for in situ fenestration were needle, laser and radiofrequency. Needle was the most frequently used device for fenestration, which was performed in 60 patients (60/99, 61%). Three patients (3/99, 3%) died with 30 days, none were in situ fenestration TEVAR procedure-related. Perioperative complications including one (1%) retrograde type A aortic dissection, two (2%) type II endoleaks, and three (3%) strokes were reported. The pooled estimate for overall technical success, perioperative mortality and stroke was 88.3% (95% CI, 78.6%–93.9%), 5.9% (95% CI, 2.5%–13.4%) and 9.5% (95% CI, 4.1%–20.6%), respectively. Four patients (4/96, 4%) died during follow-up, none were aortic-related. All the fenestration bridging stents were reportedly patent, with only 1 (1/96, 1%) asymptomatic left subclavian stent stenosis. Two patients (2/96, 2%) with type II endoleak from left subclavian artery required secondary intervention.

Conclusion

In situ fenestration appeared to be a feasible and effective method to extend proximal landing zone during TEVAR. It had an acceptable short-term result with high technical success and low fenestration related morbidity. Long-term durability data were lacking, and there was no high level evidence to recommend the routine use of in situ fenestration TEVAR for the management of arch pathology.
The Case for Village Communities for Adults with Learning Disabilities: An Exploration of the Concept
Authors: Jackson R.
Published: February 2020

Underpinning the concept of ‘village communities’ for adults with learning disabilities is a range of assumptions about the nature of community. This paper seeks to challenge some of these assumptions and to question the wisdom of employing a concept of doubtful validity and utility. Some of the principal concerns of those opposed to the concept of ‘village communities’ are identified and discussed. Possible ways in which these concerns can be positively addressed are outlined.
Gender Differences in Assault Levels in a Health Service Unit for People with Learning Disabilities and Severely Challenging Behaviour
Authors: Murray G. C. , McKenzie K. , Quigley A. , Sinclair B.
Published: February 2020

The present study examines gender differences and levels of threatened, attempted and actual assaults on staff working in a health service in-patient unit for individuals with learning disabilities over a 35-month period. It was found that the staff experienced high levels of assault overall, but that women experienced significantly higher levels of both threatened and total assaults as compared with men. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Issues in the Management of Clients with the Dual Diagnosis of Learning Disability and Mental Illness
Authors: Barlow C.
Published: February 2020

The dual diagnosis of learning disability and mental illness represents a significant challenge to health and social care practitioners and their existing practices. Currently this group has its service delivery undermined by inter-agency wrangling over responsibility for management and resource allocation. The key to resolving these problems lies in effective multi-agency collaboration. This paper examines the taxing problems of assessment, planning and intervention in this arena. It will offer examples of good practice from the Area Child Protection Committee model.
Islamic concepts in ethics of pediatric clinical research
Authors: AlFattani Areej AG , AlAlem Hala
Published: February 2020

Background:

Medical research on children has increased in the last 20 years. International ethical regulations for conducting clinical research on children may not pertain to Muslim communities where religious beliefs play a big role in decision-making process.

Methods:

The aim of this paper was to illustrate the origins of bioethics principles in Islam, to appraise the existing regulations of Islamic countries, and to systematically review areas of improvements.

Conclusion:

This review recommends a customized approach for regulators to set culturally adapted ethical guidelines that highlight Islamic traditions in dealing with children of different ages.
Test–retest reliability of the OptoGait system for the analysis of spatiotemporal running gait parameters and lower body stiffness in healthy adults
Authors: Jaén-Carrillo Diego , García-Pinillos Felipe , Cartón-Llorente Antonio , Almenar-Arasanz Alejandro Jesús , Bustillo-Pelayo José Antonio , Roche-Seruendo Luis E
Published: February 2020

Despite the widespread use of the OptoGait photoelectric cell system for the analysis of running spatiotemporal parameters, its reliability has not been proved. Consequently, this study intends to determine the test–retest reliability of the system when applied to treadmill running spatiotemporal parameters and lower body stiffness at a constant velocity. Amateur endurance runners (n = 31; age: 34.42 ± 9.26 years; height: 171.54 ± 9.15 cm; body mass: 66.63 ± 11.3 kg) voluntarily consented to participate in this study. Data for each participant were recorded twice per session across two testing sessions. The intra-session and inter-session reliabilities of spatiotemporal parameters and lower body stiffness were determined through test–retest analysis. Although mean comparisons revealed significant differences between measurements in spatiotemporal running gait characteristics and lower body stiffness for intra-session (p < 0.05 in all parameters), the effect size was always small (<0.4). Moreover, the relationship between measurements was very large for spatiotemporal parameters and lower body stiffness (r > 0.7). The intraclass correlation coefficients revealed an almost perfect correlation between measurements (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.81), except Kleg with substantial reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.788). The inter-session reliability revealed some significant differences in contact time (p = 0.009) and Kleg (p = 0.013), although Cohen’s d indicated small effect size (<0.31). The relationship between sessions was very large for spatiotemporal parameters and lower body stiffness (r > 0.8), and the intraclass correlation coefficients revealed an almost perfect inter-session association (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.881). The results found here show that the OptoGait system can be used confidently for running spatiotemporal parameters analysis and lower body stiffness at a constant velocity for healthy adults.
A novel CCM3 mutation associated with cerebral cavernous malformation in a Chinese family
Authors: Jiang Xiao-yu , Zhang Ying , Yin Xiang , Nan Di , Wang Xu , Feng Jia-chun , Miao Jing
Published: February 2020

Background:

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), especially the familial form, is a relatively rare congenital and occult vascular disease of the central nervous system. The familial form of CCM has been linked to three different genes: KRIT1/ CCM1, MGC4607/ CCM2, and PDCD10/ CCM3; however, the genetic basis of CCM is not well understood. The PDCD10/ CCM3 is the most recent gene to be identified that results in worse clinical symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for patient prognosis.

Case report:

The proband is a 38-year-old male who has been suffering from weakness in the limbs for 7 months. Investigation of his family history revealed that his mother also suffered from limbs paralysis and had been bedridden for a long time. His older brother suffered from headache for years, whereas his younger brother was asymptomatic. Brain computed tomography analysis of all family members showed multiple high-density shadows. Subsequently, magnetic resonance imaging analysis identified more prominent and similar multiple intracranial lesions in all family members. The lesions were hypo-intense, or showed mixed signs on T1-weighted imaging, and were significantly more intense on T2-weighted imaging. To understand the genetic basis of the disease in the family, DNA sequencing analysis was performed. A novel deletion mutation in the PDCD10/ CCM3 gene was identified in the proband and his relatives. The deletion resulted in a frameshift mutation and premature termination of translation of the protein, and potentially caused the disease in this family.

Conclusions:

Our study identified a novel PDCD10/ CCM3 heterozygous deletion (c.165delT) associated with CCM. This finding expands the CCM gene mutation profile, which will be beneficial for genetic counseling and clinical therapy.
Propulsion performance investigation of bio-inspired nano rotor base on fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Zhao Shanyong , Liu Zhen , Che Penglei , Li Bingfei , Dang Tianjiao , Bu Chen
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the bio-inspired blade motion is introduced to improve the propulsive performance of nano rotor at an ultra-low Reynolds number. However, the complex flow interacts with the flexible composite blade structure resulting in the change of nano rotor propulsion performance and the vibration of blade structure. A composite nano rotor with blade-pitch motion is investigated computationally with a computational solvers based on fluid–structure interaction. The finite element model for the composite rotor is created and verified with a non-contact modal test. It is found that the simulation results matched well with the experimental results. Successively, the propulsive performance of a rigid nano rotor is studied. The propulsive performance of the nano rotor is analysed at different bio-inspired pitch frequencies. The results show that the figure of merit of the bio-inspired pitch rotor increases because of the bio-inspired blade pitch motion. And it is also found that the improvement of the propulsive performance of the nano rotor varies with the pitch frequency. The propulsive performance of the flexible bio-inspired nano rotor is also studied with by using fluid–structure interaction method. It is found that the computational results for flexible nano rotor are lower than that for rigid nano rotor. It is evident that it is necessary to consider the flexibility of the composite nano rotor when investigating the propulsion performance of bio-inspired nano rotor. And the response of blade structure is also studied. Structural dynamic analysis shows that the blade structure vibrates with small amplitude. And two peak values are found at the rotation frequency and the fundamental frequency of the nano rotor structure.
Strain-induced effects on the electronic properties of 2D materials
Authors: Postorino Sara , Grassano Davide , D’Alessandro Marco , Pianetti Andrea , Pulci Olivia , Palummo Maurizia
Published: February 2020

Thanks to the ultrahigh flexibility of 2D materials and to their extreme sensitivity to applied strain, there is currently a strong interest in studying and understanding how their electronic properties can be modulated by applying a uniform or nonuniform strain. In this work, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we discuss how uniform biaxial strain affects the electronic properties, such as ionization potential, electron affinity, electronic gap, and work function, of different classes of 2D materials from X-enes to nitrides and transition metal dichalcogenides. The analysis of the states in terms of atomic orbitals allows to explain the observed trends and to highlight similarities and differences among the various materials. Moreover, the role of many-body effects on the predicted electronic properties is discussed in one of the studied systems. We show that the trends with strain, calculated at the GW level of approximation, are qualitatively similar to the DFT ones solely when there is no change in the character of the valence and conduction states near the gap.
Positive Distractions and Play in the Public Spaces of Pediatric Healthcare Environments: A Literature Review
Authors: Jiang Shan
Published: February 2020

Background:

A positive distraction is a significant environmental feature that introduces positive feelings by diverting attention from stress or anxious thoughts. Existing research has deemed the application of positive distractions in pediatric environments to be significant. This study investigated the essential positive distractions and the associated health benefits.

Aims:

The aims of this study were to validate and extend evidence on positive distractions and play opportunities in the design of the public spaces in pediatric healthcare environments, translate existing evidence into design suggestions, and identify research gaps in this realm.

Methods:

A four-phased literature review method was employed in the study, including literature search, literature screening and selection, literature appraisal, and thematic analysis and in-depth discussion. Eventually, 27 peer-reviewed publications were reviewed and discussed in detail.

Results/Conclusions:

The gathered materials were grouped into six themes of positive distractions: (1) art and environmental aesthetics, (2) spatial arrangement and atrium, (3) considerations of socialization patterns, (4) play and interactive technologies, (5) sound and lighting interventions, and (6) access to nature. The research indicated that positive distractions in the pediatric healthcare environment provide a series of health benefits for patients, including improved behavioral and emotional well-being, reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced healthcare experience and satisfaction, and facilitated medical procedures and recovery. Yet significant research gaps emerged between positive distractions and play in garden spaces and spatial design to accommodate interactive technology and socialization in the public areas of pediatric healthcare environments. This study organized the understanding on the components of supportive environments and its outcomes for pediatric healthcare design.