bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Political Ideology and Socioeconomic Vulnerability on Perceived Health Risks of Heat Waves in the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Cutler Matthew J. , Marlon Jennifer R. , Howe Peter D. , Leiserowitz Anthony
Published: August 2018

Vulnerability and resilience to extreme weather hazards are a function of diverse physical, social, and psychological factors. Previous research has focused on individual factors that influence public perceptions of hazards, such as politics, ideology, and cultural worldviews, as well as on socioeconomic and demographic factors that affect geographically based vulnerability, environmental justice, and community resilience. Few studies have investigated individual socioeconomic and racial/ethnic differences in public risk perceptions of the health hazards associated with extreme heat events, which are now increasing due to climate change. This study uses multilevel statistical modeling to investigate individual- and geographic-level (e.g., census tract level and regional) social, economic, and biophysical influences on public perceptions of the adverse health impacts associated with heat waves. Political orientation and climate change beliefs are the strongest predictors of heat wave health risk perceptions; household income also has a relatively strong and consistent effect. Contextual socioeconomic vulnerability, measured with a social vulnerability index at the census tract level, also significantly affects heat wave risk perceptions. The strong influence of political orientation and climate beliefs on perceptions of adverse health impacts from heat waves suggests that ideological predispositions can increase vulnerability to climate change.
Why Do Autocrats Disclose? Economic Transparency and Inter-elite Politics in the Shadow of Mass Unrest
Authors: Hollyer James R. , Rosendorff B. Peter , Vreeland James Raymond
Published: August 2018

Autocratic governments hold a preference for opacity. Autocracies are less transparent than democracies and a closed informational environment preserves autocratic regimes from mass unrest. Yet, autocracies vary widely in the extent to which they disclose economic information. In this article, we offer an explanation for why some autocrats choose to disclose. We contend that, paradoxically, some autocratic leaders may benefit from increasing the capacity of the populace to mobilize. In so doing, autocratic leaders threaten rival members of the elite, reducing the risk of elite challenges and increasing their freedom of maneuver. We contend that transparency acts as one mechanism toward these ends. We formalize these intuitions and demonstrate empirically that leaders in transparent autocracies enjoy a reduced hazard of removal via coup relative to their opaque counterparts. Personalistic dictators and entrenched autocrats—who suffer the smallest risk of sanctioning by their elites—are particularly unlikely to disclose information.
Social Network Analysis in the Legislative Process in the Korean Medical Device Industry
Authors: Lee Munjae , Yoon Kichan , Lee Kyu-Sung
Published: August 2018

This study analyzes the legislation process of the Korean government regarding the development of the medical device industry in the perspective of the issue network. It also aims to identify the difference in network structure between conservative and progressive governments and analyze major issues and stakeholders. It examines the network structure in the legislation process of the government to develop and support the medical device industry through social network analysis (SNA). This study conducted a policy network structure analysis of the conservative and progressive governments. SNA was used for the structure analysis, using the contents of newspaper articles as the baseline data related to the medical device industry. We analyze using the 2-mode network analysis that the node centrality is determined by eigenvector centrality. The more nodes with great power (stakeholders, information, resources) it is linked to, the greater power centrality (eigenvector centrality) it will have, which indicates that it has great influence within the network. The conservative government discussed the promotion of the medical device industry led by government departments, focusing on its potential as a future growth engine. On the contrary, the progressive government tended to have fewer stakeholders and issues around the idea, shifting the stakeholders that lead the promotion of the industry from government departments to relevant interest groups, and focusing more on policy issues like transparency than on economic issues. We identify implications to legislate the relevant act by analyzing the relevant stakeholders and issues around legislation, while reinforcing the competitiveness of Korea’s medical device industry in the larger global framework. We believe that this study would comprehensively addresses the pros and cons of the government-led promotion of the medical device industry in Korea, as well as the key issues for stakeholders, which can be applicable to many other societies.
A review of the benefits and limitations of a primary care-embedded psychiatric consultation service in a medically underserved setting
Authors: Butler Dennis J , Fons Dominique , Fisher Travis , Sanders James , Bodenhamer Sara , Owen Julie R , Gunderson Marc
Published: August 2018

A significant percentage of patients with psychiatric disorders are exclusively seen for health-care services by primary care physicians. To address the mental health needs of such patients, collaborative models of care were developed including the embedded psychiatry consult model which places a consultant psychiatrist on-site to assist the primary care physician to recognize psychiatric disorders, prescribe psychiatric medication, and develop management strategies. Outcome studies have produced ambiguous and inconsistent findings regarding the impact of this model. This review examines a primary care-embedded psychiatric consultation service in place for nine years in a family medicine residency program. Psychiatric consultants, family physicians, and residents actively involved in the service participated in structured interviews designed to identify the clinical and educational value of the service. The benefits and limitations identified were then categorized into physician, consultant, patient, and systems factors. Among the challenges identified were inconsistent patient appointment-keeping, ambiguity about appropriate referrals, consultant scope-of-practice parameters, and delayed follow-up with consultation recommendations. Improved psychiatric education for primary care physicians also appeared to shift referrals toward more complex patients. The benefits identified included the availability of psychiatric services to underserved and disenfranchised patients, increased primary care physician comfort with medication management, and improved interprofessional communication and education. The integration of the service into the clinic fostered the development of a more psychologically minded practice. While highly valued by respondents, potential benefits of the service were limited by residency-specific factors including consultant availability and the high ratio of primary care physicians to consultants.
In Guns We Trust: A Reexamination of the Collective Security Hypothesis
Authors: Kelsay James D. , Papp Jordan , Wareham Jennifer , Smith Brad W.
Published: August 2018

This study reexamines the collective security hypothesis of gun ownership using data collected from residents of the city of Detroit, Michigan. In addition, we seek to determine whether the effects of perceptions of police, fear of crime, and victimization on individual-level gun ownership are attenuated by neighborhood levels of informal social control. Our findings indicate that police satisfaction remains a robust predictor of gun ownership, in that those who are less satisfied with police are more likely to own a firearm for defensive purposes. Moreover, the effects of this variable remain unaffected by the inclusion of informal social control. These results confirm a number of previously identified correlates of gun ownership remain influential and suggest that improving perceptions of police among the public may lead to fewer firearms in circulation among the public.
Collective wage regulation in northern Europe under strain: Multiple drivers of change and differing responses
Authors: Dølvik Jon Erik , Marginson Paul , Alsos Kristin , Arnholtz Jens , Meardi Guglielmo , Müller Torsten , Trygstad Sissel
Published: August 2018

There has been much recent attention to the upheavals, often externally induced, in collective bargaining and labour market regulation in southern European countries. In this article, we introduce a set of studies of changes, typically employer-driven, in collective wage regulation in northern Europe. We discuss possible drivers of change: contagion from southern Europe, regime competition among the northern countries themselves and/or destabilizing effects of east–north integration, driven by free movement. These drivers interact with internal change dynamics spurring diverging actor responses and institutional outcomes. We outline the common research design, review salient features of wage regulation in six countries, and differences in institutions, production, markets and factor mobility in four sectors. We briefly review findings from the other articles.
Prediction of regional agro-industrial wastes characteristics by thermogravimetric analysis to obtain bioenergy using thermal process
Authors: Saffe Alejandra , Fernandez Anabel , Mazza Germán , Rodriguez Rosa
Published: August 2018

The use of energy from biomass is becoming more common worldwide. This energy source has several benefits that promote its acceptance; it is bio-renewable, non-toxic and biodegradable. To predict its behavior as a fuel during thermal treatment, its characterization is necessary. The experimental determination of ultimate analysis data requires special instrumentation, while proximate analysis data can be obtained easily by using common equipment but, the required time is high. In this work, a methodology is applied based on thermogravimetric analysis, curves deconvolution and empirical correlations for characterizing different regional agro-industrial wastes to determine the high heating value, the contents of moisture, volatiles matter, fixed carbon, ash, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. The obtained results are similar to those using standard techniques, showing the accuracy of proposed method and its wide application range. This methodology allows to determine the main parameters required for industrial operation in only in one step, saving time.
Does Gender in the C-Suite Really Matter?
Authors: Doan Trang , Iskandar-Datta Mai
Published: August 2018

This study empirically tests the implications of five theories on the importance of gender in the C-suite, employing two different settings. Specifically, we examine the impact of gender of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on the stock price response at the appointment of the executive and on post-hiring firm performance. The results from both tests are in support of the notion that female executives are less overconfident, but not less risk-averse, than their male counterparts. Particularly, we find that investors respond relatively less (more) favorably to the appointment of female CFOs compared with that of male CFOs at firms characterized by high (low) uncertainty. Furthermore, the evidence also shows that female CFOs significantly improve operating performance at firms operating in low volatility settings. The enhanced firm performance can be attributed to reduction in costs and enhanced efficiency of working capital management. The findings are robust to a battery of robustness checks.
It’s about Time: Adaptive Resource Management, Environmental Governance, and Science Studies
Authors: Whitney Kristoffer
Published: August 2018

This article examines adaptive resource management (ARM) as it has been applied to the US horseshoe crab fishery over the past decade. As a critical yet constructive exercise, I have three goals: to suggest how adaptive management, for all its promise, can still be improved; to add a nuanced case study to the literatures on the quantification of nature and environmental decision-making; and to use the example of ARM to make certain temporal aspects of contemporary natural resource management more salient to science and technology studies scholars—that is, to show the ways in which time matters in environmental science, policy, and the analysis thereof. I draw attention to the time-related aspects of adaptive management by developing the notions of temporal orientation and chronological accountability. Temporal orientation refers to the time-based perspectives and epistemological commitments—that is, past-facing empiricism versus future-oriented modeling—that scientists of different types bring to bear on environmental problems. Chronological accountability refers to the missing link in adaptive forms of environmental governance: firm time lines and commitments to reflexively revisit management decisions. The time-related aspects of natural resource management deserve greater attention among both environmental managers and analysts of environmental policy.
Sri Lanka’s Labour Migration Trends, Remittances and Economic Growth
Authors: Ramanayake Sanika Sulochani , Wijetunga Chandana Shrinath
Published: August 2018

Labour migration has significant multiple impacts for Sri Lanka, where migrant remittances have massively increased over time. In the light of changing migrant worker dynamics, including state involvement in virtually exporting people, this article examines various trends of labour migration and then specifically analyses remittance inflows and their economic impacts in Sri Lanka between 1970 and 2015. Our findings confirm the increasing importance of remittances as a source of external financing, with considerable impetus for domestic economic growth, related development policies and gender issues. The conclusions make some suggestions to safeguard future remittance inflows to Sri Lanka.
Vertebral bone marrow fat content in normal adults with varying bone densities at 3T magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: He Jie , Fang Hao , Li Xiaona
Published: August 2018

Background

Sex-related differences of vertebral bone marrow fat in relation to varying bone densities have not yet been evaluated although some studies have reported an inverse association of bone marrow fat and bone mineral density (BMD).

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between bone marrow fat and BMD and to demonstrate the sex-related differences of the vertebral bone marrow fat in normal adults with varying bone densities.

Material and Methods

A total of 123 normal adult volunteers were enrolled in this study. 1H-MRS of the lumbar spine was performed. The fat fraction (FF) values of vertebral bone marrow were measured. Volumetric BMD measurement was performed by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). All participants were divided into three groups according to BMD (normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis). The differences in the FF and body mass index (BMI) values of the three groups were compared, and partial correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between FF values and BMD/BMI.

Results

The FF values increased with decreasing BMD in both male and female participants. There were significant sex differences for the FF values in the normal bone density group ( P < 0.001). The FF values of the normal bone density group in male participants were significantly higher than those of the female participants ( P < 0.001). The FF values were significantly negative correlated with BMD for all participants (r = −0.820, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The FF values of vertebral bone marrow correlated inversely with BMD. Sex-related differences of FF values was related to BMD.
Cerebral blood flow changes during intermittent acute hypoxia in patients with heart failure
Authors: Mansur Antonio P. , Alvarenga Glaura Souza , Kopel Liliane , Gutierrez Marco Antonio , Consolim-Colombo Fernanda Marciano , Abrahão Ludhmila Hajjar , Lage Silvia Gelas
Published: August 2018

Objective

Heart failure (HF) is associated with intermittent hypoxia, and the effects of this hypoxia on the cardiovascular system are not well understood. This study was performed to compare the effects of acute hypoxia (10% oxygen) between patients with and without HF.

Methods

Fourteen patients with chronic HF and 17 matched control subjects were enrolled. Carotid artery changes were examined during the first period of hypoxia, and brachial artery changes were examined during the second period of hypoxia. Data were collected at baseline and after 2 and 4 minutes of hypoxia. Norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and renin were measured at baseline and after 4 minutes hypoxia.

Results

The carotid blood flow, carotid systolic diameter, and carotid diastolic diameter increased and the carotid resistance decreased in patients with HF. Hypoxia did not change the carotid compliance, distensibility, brachial artery blood flow and diameter, or concentrations of sympathomimetic amines in patients with HF, but hypoxia increased the norepinephrine level in the control group. Hypoxia increased minute ventilation and decreased the oxygen saturation and end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration in both groups.

Conclusion

Hypoxia-induced changes in the carotid artery suggest an intensification of compensatory mechanisms for preservation of cerebral blood flow in patients with HF.
Phase II study of hypofractionated radiation therapy in elderly patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma with poor prognosis
Authors: Navarria Pierina , Pessina Federico , Cozzi Luca , Tomatis Stefano , Reggiori Giacomo , Simonelli Matteo , Santoro Armando , Clerici Elena , Franzese Ciro , Carta Giulio , Conti Nibali Marco , Bello Lorenzo , Scorsetti Marta
Published: August 2018

Objective:

To evaluate hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) given at therapeutic effective doses in a phase II study. Endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) rate, overall survival (OS), and incidence of toxicity.

Methods:

Patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, age ⩾70 years, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score ⩽60, were enrolled. The total dose of HFRT was 52.5 Gy/15 fractions, corresponded to a biological effective dose to the tumor of 70.88 Gy.

Results:

Thirty patients were treated, with a median age of 75 years. Concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy (TMZ-CHT) was administered in 7 (23.3%) and 11 (40.7%) patients received only adjuvant TMZ-CHT. The median, 6-month PFS, and 12-month PFS were 5.0 months, 43.3%, and 20%, respectively. The median, 6-month OS, and 12-month OS were 8 months, 90%, and 30%, respectively. At the last observation time, 26 patients (86.7%) were dead and 4 (13.3%) were alive. No increase in steroid drugs was required during radiotherapy treatment and a reduction was possible in 12 (40%). Patients with KPS=60, RPA V, MGMT methylated status, neurological status stable or improved after surgery and who underwent HFRT with concurrent and adjuvant CHT, had the better outcome.

Conclusion:

HFRT has proven to be feasible and effective, with limited morbidity, for selected elderly and frail patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The primary objective of this study was not reached in the whole cohort but only in selected patients, who need more aggressive treatment.
Cutaneous Tumors in Swiss Dogs: Retrospective Data From the Swiss Canine Cancer Registry, 2008–2013
Authors: Graf Ramona , Pospischil Andreas , Guscetti Franco , Meier Daniela , Welle Monika , Dettwiler Martina
Published: August 2018

Data collected in animal cancer registries comprise extensive and valuable information, even more so when evaluated in context with precise population data. The authors evaluated 11 740 canine skin tumors collected in the Swiss Canine Cancer Registry from 2008–2013, considering data on breed, sex, age, and anatomic locations. Their incidence rate (IR) per 100 000 dogs/year in the Swiss dog population was calculated based on data from the official and mandatory Swiss dog registration database ANIS. The most common tumor types were mast cell tumors (16.35%; IR, 60.3), lipomas (12.47%; IR, 46.0), hair follicle tumors (12.34%; IR, 45.5), histiocytomas (12.10%; IR, 44.6), soft tissue sarcomas (10.86%; IR, 40.1), and melanocytic tumors (8.63%; IR, 31.8) with >1000 tumors per type. The average IR of all tumor types across the 227 registered breeds was 372.2. The highest tumor incidence was found in the Giant Schnauzer (IR, 1616.3), the Standard Schnauzer (IR, 1545.4), the Magyar Vizsla (IR, 1534.6), the Rhodesian Ridgeback (IR, 1445.0), the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (IR, 1351.7), and the Boxer (IR, 1350.0). Mixed-breed dogs (IR, 979.4) had an increased IR compared to the average of all breeds. Previously reported breed predispositions for most tumor types were confirmed. Nevertheless, the data also showed an increased IR for mast cell tumors and melanocytic tumors in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and for histiocytomas in the Flat Coated Retriever. The results from this study can be taken into consideration when selecting purebred dogs for breeding to improve a breed’s health.
Survivin and Sox9: Potential Stem Cell Markers in Canine Normal, Hyperplastic, and Neoplastic Canine Prostate
Authors: Bongiovanni Laura , Caposano Francesca , Romanucci Mariarita , Grieco Valeria , Malatesta Daniela , Brachelente Chiara , Massimini Marcella , Benazzi Cinzia , Thomas Rachel E. , Salda Leonardo Della
Published: August 2018

Canine prostatic carcinoma is a relevant model for human prostatic carcinoma. Survivin is proposed as a biomarker of malignancy in human prostatic cancer. Sox9 is a stem cell marker required for prostate development and expressed in several adult tissues. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the patterns and expression levels of 2 putative stem cell markers, survivin and Sox9, in canine benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic carcinoma to investigate their potential as stem cell markers. Immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies was performed on 3 samples of normal prostate gland, 18 samples of canine BPH, and 16 samples of prostatic carcinoma. The basal cell layer of normal and hyperplastic prostatic lobules had nuclear Sox9 immunolabeling and nuclear and rarely cytoplasmic survivin immunostaining, identifying them as potential stem cell markers. Significantly more frequent survivin and Sox9 expression (≥10% of nuclei) was observed in prostatic carcinoma as compared with BPH. The potential coexpression of survivin with Sox9, androgen receptor, and p63 was also investigated in selected BPH and prostatic carcinoma cases with immunofluorescence, and a partial colocalization was observed. Results indicate that Sox9 and survivin could be considered markers of stemness in canine prostate cells. Given its role in proliferation, cells in the basal cell layer with nuclear survivin expression are likely to be transit-amplifying cells that maintain some stem cell proprieties.
Information disclosure, privacy behaviours, and attitudes regarding employer surveillance of social networking sites
Authors: McGuinness Deirdre , Simon Anoush
Published: August 2018

This paper explores the use of social networking sites amongst the student population of a Welsh university, with particular respect to information-sharing and privacy behaviours, and the potential impact of social networking site checks by employers on future use of these sites. A mixed-methods research design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed to investigate the research question. Results demonstrated that participants were concerned with maintaining privacy online, and were careful with regards to posting and protecting information on social networking sites; however, protective measures were imperfect due to human and system errors. Most respondents were aware of social networking site surveillance, with many noting that this would have an impact on their future use; however, users are active in protecting their privacy through a combination of use of privacy settings and varied levels of information disclosure dependent on context.
Transforming the Transportation Customer Experience through Contemporary Artistic Practice: A Case Study in Strategic Implementation
Authors: Yamamoto Zipporah Lax
Published: August 2018

Institutionalized government support for artwork incorporated into transportation environments has a history spanning more than 80 years in the United States. Although the Federal Transit Administration has a history of policy guidelines, and the American Public Transportation Association, and Americans for the Arts have developed best practices for the successful integration of artworks during the planning and construction phases of transportation projects, little research exists concerning the public life of those artworks during the operational phase, beyond maintenance concerns. This paper examines an artist-led tour program initiated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), as a case study, to demonstrate one way contemporary artistic practices are strategically implemented to further community engagement, by extending the reach of existing, integrated artworks during a capital project’s operational phase. The study begins with a context for public art in transportation environments, including a brief overview of the tradition of government support for public art in the United States. Artworks integrated within the Metro system are examined with a focus on features that engage customers as landmarks, inspire responses from participants rooted in the memory of historical events or popular culture, and respond to pre-programmed cues. Lastly, this research discusses the transformational value offered by contemporary artistic practices rooted in relational aesthetics, approaches that prioritize transitory experience over material product, by providing continued engagement with communities beyond the planning and construction phases, as examined through an artist-led tour program developed by Metro.
“I’m Not a Science Nerd!”
Authors: Starr Christine R.
Published: August 2018

Stereotypes reduce women’s identification with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), which can decrease their motivation to enter STEM domains. Stereotypes may be gender-based (e.g., STEM is for men) or trait-based (e.g., STEM is for geniuses). In this study, I explored two primary research questions: First, would stereotyping STEM as a domain for nerdy geniuses negatively relate to women’s STEM identity? Second, would STEM identity mediate the relation between stereotypes and STEM motivation? Nerd-genius stereotypes and gender stereotypes negatively contributed to women’s STEM identity. STEM identity positively contributed to women’s STEM motivation (including expectancy-value beliefs). Participants were a diverse sample of undergraduate women ( N = 195, mean age was 19.8; 30% of participants were Latina, 30% European, 24% Asian). Stereotype measures were (1) implicit gender-STEM associations, (2) explicit gender associations about STEM, and (3) a new scale that measured nerd-genius stereotypes. The results highlight the unique contribution different stereotypes make toward women’s identification with STEM and, in turn, their motivation to pursue STEM pathways. Practice implications include addressing nerd-genius stereotypes in STEM interventions and reducing classroom artifacts that might be reminiscent of these stereotypes.
Beyond rejection, glory and the Soldier’s Matrix: the heart of my group analysis
Authors: Friedman Robi
Published: August 2018

During my 45 year journey in the different approaches to psychotherapy, an interest in small, median and later in large groups have influenced me professionally. Many in the Israel IGA had a similar professional history until we finally felt group analysis as our home. I also learned from experiences of rejection and glory. A Trauma-Glory continuum, connected to rejection and inclusion, will be discussed. Glory, which is considered a basic social motivation, could have a special space in group analysis. The concept of the Soldier’s Matrix will be discussed, with a distinctive group-analytic approach to the large group and ‘the Sandwich model’. This group analytic application, could be taken as a possible ‘anti-dote’ to difficult social configurations as are found in ‘soldiers’ matrices’.
Support for Balanced Justice and Rehabilitation for Justice-Involved Veterans
Authors: Atkin-Plunk Cassandra A. , Sloas Lincoln B.
Published: August 2018

Justice-involved veterans face increased behavioral health (e.g., mental health and substance abuse) issues and are more likely to be incarcerated for a violent offense compared to nonveterans. Despite the large number of veterans involved in the justice system, there is a paucity of research examining public opinion of sanctioning approaches for justice-involved veterans. The current study seeks to fill this gap by sampling 575 undergraduate students at a large university in the south to examine support for sanctioning approaches for nonviolent and violent justice–involved veterans. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine whether beliefs regarding the treatment of justice-involved veterans (e.g., whether veterans deserve access to rehabilitation programs, the ability of veterans to be rehabilitated, whether veterans are willing to work toward rehabilitation, and the effectiveness of treatment programs for veterans) relate to support for balanced justice. Findings suggest support for a balanced justice approach to sanctioning violent justice–involved veterans, while support for a rehabilitation-oriented approach to sanctioning nonviolent justice–involved veterans. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Tackling overutilization of hospital tests and treatments: Lessons learned from a grassroots approach
Authors: Hicks Lisa K. , O’Brien Patrick , Sholzberg Michelle , Veloce Nicole , Trafford Anne , Sinclair Doug
Published: August 2018

Recent data suggest unnecessary medical testing and treatment is relatively common in Canada. A number of harms to patients can arise as a result of unnecessary tests and treatments. In addition to patient harm, unnecessary tests and treatments add to the cost of medical care. Inspired by the Choosing Wisely campaign, St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, developed a hospital-wide program to address many different forms of overutilization at our hospital. The program prioritizes harm reduction over cost-containment and aims to create sustainable change through grassroots clinician engagement. This article will review important lessons learned from the St. Michael’s experience.
Establishment of a Medication Acuity Scoring Tool at a Tertiary Pediatric Teaching Hospital: A 2-Phase Process
Authors: DeRonde Kailynn , Palmer Claire , Gralla Jane , Poel Kevin
Published: August 2018

Background:

Currently, there is no validated objective rating system to address the acuity of medication orders that pharmacists review.

Objective:

The objective was to assess the acuity of a given medication through creating and validating an acuity scoring tool.

Methods:

Phase I included the development of the medication acuity scoring tool (MAST) from national safety standards and clinical experience. A survey was administered to pharmacists nationwide to establish a consensus on the individual components of the tool and their associated weighted scores. Phase II was designed to assess MAST's predictive validity by comparing a medication acuity rating generated by MAST to a rating assigned based upon clinical experience of experts. Additionally, in phase II, interrater and intrarater reliability of MAST was evaluated.

Results:

In phase I, most of MAST’s components and their associated scores achieved >75% agreement for inclusion in the final tool. In phase II, without MAST, approximately 50% of pharmacist-assigned acuity ratings were statistically consistent with tool-generated acuity ratings, and there was fair agreement between respondents (k=0.31). With the use of MAST, agreement in acuity ratings improved to substantial (k=0.69), and intrarater reliability was almost perfect (k=0.88).

Conclusion:

MAST is a validated rating system that captures the acuity of medications.
Volunteering and Subjective Well-Being Among Individuals With Disabilities: A Multivariate Model
Authors: Kulik Liat
Published: August 2018

The main goal of the study was to evaluate the contribution of volunteering to explaining two indicators of subjective well-being—self-esteem and sense of meaning in life (MIL)—among people with physical disabilities in Israel. The sample included 160 Israeli participants with physical disabilities, of whom 95 had volunteered and 65 had not. The findings revealed that volunteering was both directly and indirectly associated with factors that facilitate the sense of MIL but was not associated with factors that inhibit MIL. Furthermore, volunteering was found to mediate the relationship of economic and family support to self-esteem and to facilitators of MIL. The results point to a sequence of contingencies that facilitate indicators of subjective well-being: when people with disabilities have high levels of economic resources and family support, they are more likely to volunteer; in turn, volunteer activity increases self-esteem and promotes a sense of MIL.
Preliminary design and comparative study of thermal control in a nanosatellite through smart variable emissivity surfaces
Authors: Athanasopoulos N , Farmasonis J , Siakavellas NJ
Published: August 2018

The thermal radiation that is rejected or absorbed into deep space is highly variable. Ultralight smart surfaces with arrays of unit cells can be designed to change their effective emissivity and absorptivity without energy consumption, actuators, and controllers, and can be used for the temperature control of satellites. The smart surfaces work in a similar manner to thermal louvers but they are hingeless, lighter, and their activation depends on their anisotropic mechanical properties and multilayer structure. The generated thermal stresses between layers that have a high mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion cause large deformations and rotations within small temperature changes. The arrays of the surface open or close, and transform their geometry as a function of temperature; therefore, coatings of different thermo-optical properties are revealed or concealed, thus creating variable emissivity surfaces. The emissivity and absorptivity curves of the smart surfaces can be entirely designed as a function of temperature. Theoretically, an emissivity change equal to Δε = 0.8 can be achieved. The small thermal capacitance renders nanosatellites very susceptible to temperature fluctuations. In this study, different emissivity curves were generated to re-calculate the worst cold and hot cases, and to redesign the thermal control system of a certain nanosatellite. We studied a plethora of design cases based on the energy balance equation in steady state while considering the nanosatellite as one-node geometry. In two ideal designs, the temperature deviation of the nanosatellite in the worst cold and hot cases is limited to Δ Τ = 37  ℃ or 43 ℃ without the use of heaters. Moreover, with a power equal to 0.7 W the temperature deviation is limited to Δ Τ = 20 ℃. Consequently, the thermal fatigue is minimized and the energy consumption during the eclipse phase is reduced.
Review of urinary continence care products using sensor technology to improve effectiveness
Authors: Jeong Gyeonghui , Park Sangsoo
Published: August 2018

There have been many treatment and management modalities for urinary incontinence including absorbent products and urine collecting devices, but these modalities are manual in nature, requiring significant time and effort from caregivers. Recently, the application of sensor technology for urine detection in absorbent products and urine collection devices has helped to create new modalities for urinary incontinence and to automate some of the incontinence care processes. In this article, we review the new products and devices for incontinence care which make use of urine detection sensors.
Institutionalizing participatory slum upgrading: a case study of urban co-production from Afghanistan, 2002–2016
Authors: French Matthew , Popal Abdul , Rahimi Habib , Popuri Srinivasa , Turkstra Jan
Published: August 2018

Institutionalizing slum upgrading as part of government-led citywide or national programmes can overcome the limitations of piecemeal, “bottom-up”, ad-hoc upgrading projects. This article presents a case study of 15 years of practice to institutionalize participatory slum upgrading in Afghanistan. The article explains the main approach and tools used in Afghanistan to mobilize residents into Community Development Councils (CDCs), undertake neighbourhood action planning, and implement civil works projects in a co-production process to improve access to basic urban services and strengthen local governance. The findings provide original insights into key elements for institutionalization in fragile contexts: (i) building support of the international community, donors, and development banks for urban investment; (ii) the role of community contributions; (iii) the need to embed upgrading with improved tenure security and municipal revenue generation; and (iv) the importance of reliable and recent data to guide decision-making and build political support for in-situ settlement upgrading.
A survey on the application of fuzzy systems for underactuated systems
Authors: Huang Xiaorong , Ralescu Anca L , Gao Hongli , Huang Haibo
Published: August 2018

Underactuated systems represent a class of mechanical systems with fewer independent control actuators than degrees of freedom. The control problem of underactuated systems is one of the most challenging in the theory of nonlinear control because such systems exhibit strong coupling and highly nonlinear characteristics. Fuzzy systems have been successfully applied to control underactuated systems in both theoretical analysis and practical application. This survey describes the model and application of underactuated systems and classifies fuzzy systems in a straightforward manner. Moreover, this study analyzes problems facing conventional control methods and presents the development of fuzzy systems to solve these problems.
Underestimation of treatment effects in sequentially monitored clinical trials that did not stop early for benefit
Authors: Marschner Ian C , Schou I Manjula
Published: August 2018

In recent years, there has been a prominent discussion in the literature about the potential for overestimation of the treatment effect when a clinical trial stops at an interim analysis due to the experimental treatment showing a benefit over the control. However, there has been much less attention paid to the converse issue, namely, that sequentially monitored clinical trials which did not stop early for benefit tend to underestimate the treatment effect. In meta-analyses of many studies, these two sources of bias will tend to balance each other to produce an unbiased estimate of the treatment effect. However, for the interpretation of a single study in isolation, underestimation due to interim analysis may be an important consideration. In this paper, we discuss the nature of this underestimation, including theoretical and simulation results demonstrating that it can be substantial in some contexts. Furthermore, we show how a conditional approach to estimation, in which we condition on the study reaching its final analysis, may be used to validly inflate the observed treatment difference from a sequentially monitored clinical trial. Expressions for the conditional bias and information are derived, and these are used in supplied R code that computes the bias-adjusted estimate and an associated confidence interval. As well as simulation results demonstrating the validity of the methods, we present a data analysis example from a pivotal clinical trial in cardiovascular disease. The methods will be most useful when an unbiased treatment effect estimate is critical, such as in cost-effectiveness analysis or risk prediction.
Emotional Reactions to Intergroup Norm Violations
Authors: Tripathi R. C. , Kumar Rashmi , Siddiqui Roomana N. , Bano Shabana
Published: August 2018

The present study investigates emotional reactions that follow norm violations involving Hindus and Muslims in India. It also studies how in-group’s emotional reaction is predicted by the emotion that the group experiences in tandem with certain contextual factors, such as, fraternal relative deprivation (FRD), social identity, power to harm and resource power. Data were collected on 221 Hindus and 167 Muslims. Three different types of norm-violating situations were presented and subjects were asked to rate the extent to which they and their group will experience anger, fear or anxiety in such situations. Respondents were asked to choose between conciliation, retaliation and retribution as one of their preferred emotional reactions. Although, conciliation was the most preferred reaction for resolving conflicts for both, Hindus and Muslims, this preference changed from one situation to another. Across three situations, anger was the most intensely experienced emotion followed by the emotions of anxiety and fear. Anger evoked retaliatory reactions among Hindus while Muslims preferred a retributory reaction in situations involving strong norm violations. Multinomial logistic analysis showed that no emotion was consistently related with the preferred emotional reaction to norm violations across situations. For Hindus, fear in Situation 1 (personal humiliation of a group member) was associated with preference for retribution but with conciliation in Situation 3 (mocking of Gods and Goddesses). Similarly, anger enhanced the odds of Hindus for engaging in retaliation in Situation 2 (obstruction of in-group’s religious procession). As for Muslims, contextual factors, such as, resource power, power to harm in association with different negative emotions increased the odds for their preferred choices of emotional reaction.
Development and application of a canine endogenous internal positive control for use in real-time PCR assays
Authors: Modarelli Joseph J. , Ferro Pamela J. , Esteve-Gasent Maria D.
Published: August 2018

Real-time PCR (rtPCR) tests have become a method of choice in many diagnostic settings, both animal and human. A concern remains, however, regarding rtPCR assay inhibition during nucleic acid extraction and/or rtPCR reaction process that may result in false-negative results. The use of an internal positive control, either endogenous or exogenous, to mitigate this issue has become more commonplace. We identified and standardized an endogenous internal positive control that can be utilized in rtPCR assays targeting canine-specific pathogens in either a singleplex or multiplex format. The target chosen for the endogenous internal positive control (EIPC-K9) was a highly conserved region in canine mitochondrial DNA. Samples from 240 dogs and 11 other species were screened with EIPC-K9; all canine samples were detected, and no cross-amplification with other species tested was observed. Additionally, no inhibition was noted when comparing singleplex to multiplex rtPCR formats.
“Keep Working for Environmental Justice No Matter How Bleak Things Look. Don’t Give Up. Don’t Just Go Away”: An Interview With Wilma Subra
Authors: Sullivan John , Parady Katelyn
Published: August 2018

MacArthur prize-winning community scientist, Wilma Subra participated in the research of the Gulf Coast Health Alliance: Health Risks Related to the Macondo Spill project. Ms. Subra chronicles the arc of her career as a public health advocate who has informed communities nationwide of active and potential health risks. She has been most active in the U.S. Gulf Coast region where oil production infrastructure, petrochemical refining and production plants, and hazardous waste storage and treatment facilities seem as common as live oaks and red fish. A pioneer in the growing field of do-it-yourself citizen science, Ms. Subra shares her views on community engagement, community-based participatory research, and effective risk communication and also explains how citizen scientists were an essential component in the response to the Deep Water Horizon oil rig explosion and spill.
Eating According to One’s Genes? Exploring the French Public’s Understanding of and Reactions to Personalized Nutrition
Authors: Fournier Tristan , Poulain Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2018

In this article, we analyze qualitatively the understanding of and reactions to personalized nutrition (PN) among the French public. Focus groups were conducted to identify the opinions and discourses about two applications of knowledge from nutritional (epi)genomics: a biotechnology (nutrigenetic testing) and a public awareness campaign (the “first thousand days of life” initiative). Our objective was to understand to what extent PN could lead to changes in eating practices as well as in the representations of food–health relationships within France, a country characterized by a strong commitment to commensality and a certain “nutritional relativism.” Although discourses on nutritional genomics testify to a resistance to food medicalization, nutritional epigenomics appears as more performative because it introduces the question of transgenerational transmission, thus parental responsibility.
Supporting Families and Providers When Suicide Occurs
Authors: Stone Susan Carla
Published: August 2018

Death by suicide has increased in the United States. Experts have identified risk factors that may identify those at risk. It is understood that depression is one of the major risk factor. The families and community are the secondary victims when a suicide attempt or completion is made, and they are at risk for complicated grief. Recently, our team was consulted for the case of a young woman with a catastrophic suicide attempt.
Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants With Warfarin in the Morbidly Obese Population With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kido Kazuhiko , Ngorsuraches Surachat
Published: August 2018

Background: The International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis recommends avoiding direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in morbidly obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m2 or weight >120 kg because of limited clinical data in this group of patients. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DOACs in morbidly obese patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter. Methods: A retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted of patients older than 18 years, with BMI >40 kg/m2 or weight >120 kg, who were diagnosed as having atrial fibrillation or flutter and who received warfarin or DOACs (ie, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban). The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), whereas the primary safety outcome was the incidence of major bleeding. Results: A total of 64 patients in each group were included in the study analysis. The incidence rate of ischemic stroke or TIA was 1.75%/year in the DOAC group compared with 2.07%/year in the warfarin group (rate ratio = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.23 to 3.14; P = 0.80). The incidence rate of major bleeding was 2.18%/year in the DOAC group, compared with 4.97%/year in the warfarin group (rate ratio = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.15 to 1.25; P = 0.11). Conclusion and Relevance: Apixaban and rivaroxaban may be considered as alternatives to warfarin for atrial fibrillation or flutter in morbidly obese patients. Dabigatran use in morbidly obese patients needs caution until further studies are conducted.