bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Cleaning of Photocatalytic Mortar with Glass Aggregate and Calcium Sulfoaluminate-Belite Cement
Authors: Baral Aniruddha , Roesler Jeffery R.
Published: June 2019

The self-cleaning performance and mechanism of photocatalytic mortars with different cementitious materials and aggregates was evaluated through a rhodamine B (RhB) degradation test. The self-cleaning property of photocatalytic concrete helps to preserve its aesthetics, NOx removal potential, and surface reflectance. In this study, the addition of TiO2 to calcium sulfoaluminate-belite cement (CSAB) demonstrated a self-cleaning potential like ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Photocatalytic mortar mixes with OPC demonstrated increased self-cleaning efficiency with glass fine aggregate and with higher TiO2 content. However, glass addition was not effective in improving the self-cleaning efficiency of CSAB mortar with TiO2. Replacement of OPC with class F fly ash significantly decreased self-cleaning efficiency. The decrease in pore solution pH with fly ash replacement of OPC or CSAB cement instead of OPC was hypothesized as the cause for the decline in self-cleaning efficiency. An experiment to study the photocatalytic degradation rate of RhB revealed that it increased with higher pH. RhB photocatalytically degrades through N-de-ethylation and cleavage of the chromophore structure depending on the reaction surface characteristics with the first path investigated in this paper. It was shown that some of the RhB on the photocatalytic mortar surface was degraded by the N-de-ethylation path regardless of the cement and aggregate constituents and increasing TiO2 (anatase) content increased RhB degradation through N-de-ethylation.
The Role of Pets in Supporting Cognitive-Behavioral Chronic Pain Self-Management: Perspectives of Older Adults
Authors: Janevic Mary R. , Shute Varick , Connell Cathleen M , Piette John D. , Goesling Jenna , Fynke Julie
Published: June 2019

Cognitive-behavioral self-management strategies are recommended for older adults with chronic pain. The goal of this study was to explore how pet ownership promotes use of these strategies in everyday life. We conducted four focus groups ( N = 25) with dog and cat owners aged ≥70 years with persistent pain. Participants described how their pets affect their daily routines and health, including pain and its management. We analyzed transcripts for salient themes, categorizing them according to their alignment with recommended pain self-management strategies: Mood Management (e.g., increases positive affect), Relaxation/Distraction (e.g., soothing presence), Physical Activity (e.g., dog-walking), Behavioral Activation (e.g., motivates activity even when pain present), Social Activation (e.g., facilitates socializing), and Sleep (e.g., encourages routine). Some participants described negative impacts of pet ownership. Having pets can facilitate behaviors and thoughts that may enhance coping with pain. Testing formal ways of leveraging pets’ role may expand nonpharmacological options for chronic pain management.
Fairy Tales Don’t Come True: The Impact of Aspirational Distance on Teen Pregnancy Prevention Messages
Authors: Tanner John F. , Tanner Emily C.
Published: June 2019

The risks associated with teen sexual activity are not as universal as policy makers and programmers may suggest. Furthermore, the future presented by teen advocacy programs may not represent a reality that the teens experience in their communities and therefore may feel unobtainable. The goal of this research is to understand how teens evaluate their vulnerability associated with teen sexual activity and teen pregnancy relative to desirable life outcomes. Several focus groups were conducted with parenting and never-pregnant teens. The results contribute to the understanding of how disadvantaged teens assess risks and vulnerability.
Mitigating Urban Heating in Dryland Cities: A Literature Review
Authors: Wheeler Stephen M. , Abunnasr Yaser , Dialesandro John , Assaf Eleni , Agopian Sarine , Gamberini Virginia Carter
Published: June 2019

This review analyzes literature regarding urban heating and urban heat islands (UHIs) in dryland cities. This topic is of widespread importance in the era of climate change since many global cities are in arid, semiarid, or Mediterranean regions. We first analyze the literature on dryland UHIs, finding major differences with those for temperate cities. We then review research on cooling strategies involving vegetation, built form, and materials. Finally, we consider planning dimensions. Overall, we find that the most sustainable cooling approach for dryland cities is likely to combine low-water tree species with dense, shade-producing built form and high-albedo materials.
Has Higher Education Solved the Problem? Examining the Gender Wage Gap of Recent College Graduates Entering the Workplace
Authors: Fan Xueqing , Sturman Michael
Published: June 2019

While there has been extensive historical evidence demonstrating the gender wage gap, gains made by women in terms of higher education may be reducing the gap among those recently entering the workforce. Education is a major determinant of wage, and women are often outpacing men now in terms of educational achievement. Thus, the question remains of whether these gains in education have reduced or even eliminated gender wage inequality. This study examines the gender wage difference among new graduates with the same education level using the most recent data from National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 cohort. Despite the hope that greater representation of women with higher degrees would reduce or eliminate the gender wage gap for new entrants to the labor market, our results show that newly graduated men with an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree still earn significantly higher wages than newly graduated women with a same degree. Thus, in what we argue is a highly conservative test for the presence of the gender wage gap, the evidence strongly suggests that the wage gap is a continued and pervasive problem in the modern workplace.
Anosognosia Is Associated With Greater Caregiver Burden and Poorer Executive Function in Huntington Disease
Authors: Wibawa P. , Zombor R. , Dragovic M. , Hayhow B. , Lee J. , Panegyres P. K. , Rock D. , Starkstein S. E.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Anosognosia, or unawareness of one’s deficits, is estimated to occur in 25% to 50% of Huntington disease (HD). The relationship between anosognosia and increased caregiver burden found in other dementias has not been determined in HD.

Methods:

Patient–caregiver dyads presenting to a statewide HD clinic were assessed using the Anosognosia Scale and grouped into “anosognosia” and “no anosognosia.” Caregiver burden, measured by Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), demographic data, and Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale, including Mini-Mental State Examination, Stroop, Trail Making, Verbal Fluency, and Symbol Digit Modalities Tests, were compared between groups.

Results:

Of the 38 patients recruited, 10 (26.3%) met criteria for anosognosia. Patients with anosognosia elicited higher caregiver burden ratings on both the ZBI (mean difference 16.4 [12.1], P < .001) and CBI (16.7 [15.0], P < .005) while also demonstrating poorer executive function. Except for CAG burden score, between-group characteristics did not differ significantly. Stroop Interference predicted both anosognosia and caregiver burden.

Conclusions:

In HD, anosognosia is associated with greater caregiver burden and executive deficits. Its occurrence should prompt further patient assessment and increased caregiver support.
Education as Resistance: Egyptian Civil Society and Rethinking Political Education Under Authoritarian Contexts
Authors: Mirshak Nadim
Published: June 2019

This article explores political education in civil society organisations (CSOs) in post-uprisings Egypt. By employing the work of Peter Mayo and Adam Morton, I develop a Gramscian framework that argues for the need to rethink political education where it can take direct and indirect forms. Direct political education explicitly teaches about politics and rights, and is more likely to be repressed by the Egyptian state. Indirect political education is more covert, taking the forms of games and simulations which can appear, in hindsight, to be apolitical but could have numerous contradictory political implications. Through analysing the different forms of political education provided in Egyptian civil society, I seek to understand how CSOs are able to adapt their educational methods to function, survive and educate under authoritarian contexts. This way, the article offers an insight into the interplay between authoritarianism and resistance through the medium of education.
Joint longitudinal and time-to-event cure models for the assessment of being cured
Authors: Barbieri Antoine , Legrand Catherine
Published: June 2019

Medical time-to-event studies frequently include two groups of patients: those who will not experience the event of interest and are said to be “cured” and those who will develop the event and are said to be “susceptible”. However, the cure status is unobserved in (right-)censored patients. While most of the work on cure models focuses on the time-to-event for the uncured patients (latency) or on the baseline probability of being cured or not (incidence), we focus in this research on the conditional probability of being cured after a medical intervention given survival until a certain time. Assuming the availability of longitudinal measurements collected over time and being informative on the risk to develop the event, we consider joint models for longitudinal and survival data given a cure fraction. These models include a linear mixed model to fit the trajectory of longitudinal measurements and a mixture cure model. In simulation studies, different shared latent structures linking both submodels are compared in order to assess their predictive performance. Finally, an illustration on HIV patient data completes the comparison.
Does Board Composition Matter to Institutional Investors?
Authors: Bansal Shashank , Thenmozhi M.
Published: June 2019

This study examines the resource dependency and signalling role of independent directors from the perspective of institutional investor’s and also investigates if the presence of large blockholder moderates the signalling effect. This study uses the quasi-natural experiment to examine this relationship. The difference-in-difference (DiD) analysis of 5,298 firm observations covering 618 National Stock Exchange (NSE) listed Indian firms for the period 2001–2011 provides empirical evidence that board composition does matter to institutional investors. We find that non-compliant firms who adopted the board independence requirement experience a significant increase in institutional ownership relative to previously compliant firms. We also find that institutional investors have invested more in family-owned firms during post-mandate period compared to government-, private- and foreign-owned firms. Overall, this study contributes to the existing literature on resource dependency theory and signalling theory and shows that the board independence acts as a signal to institutional investors and decreases the agency cost and cost of monitoring.

JEL Codes: G3, G11, G34, G38, G23
The ‘Europe with the Regions’ before the Court of Justice
Authors: Panara Carlo
Published: June 2019

This article analyses the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning the regions. It argues that there is a discrepancy between the progressive framing of a ‘Europe with the regions’ in the political sphere and the limited impact of the Court in this field. This discrepancy does not emerge everywhere, nor does it emerge with the same intensity in all sectors. Indeed, in a number of areas, the CJEU has acknowledged the role and responsibilities of the regions. Examples include the right/duty of the regions to implement EU obligations, the protection of regional languages, as well as the ‘sufficient autonomy’ test developed by the CJEU in relation to state aid. There is no ‘ideological opposition’ of the CJEU to an increasing ‘regionalisation’ of the EU. There are, however, structural hindrances that prevent the Court from promoting further advancements of the status of the regions in the European edifice, particularly as regards their participation in EU processes. Since the EU remains a ‘union of states’, the ‘Europe with the regions’ has developed so far, and is likely to continue to develop, via advancements reflected in policy-making practices, soft-law arrangements and Treaty amendments rather than via the ‘judge-made federalism’ of the Court.
A New Competency-Based Instrument to Assess Resident Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Primary Palliative Care
Authors: Moyer Kristen M. , Morrison Laura J. , Encandela John , Kennedy Catherine , Ellman Matthew S.
Published: June 2019

Context:

There is a need to improve both primary palliative care (PPC) education and its assessment in graduate medical education (GME). We developed an instrument based on published palliative care (PC) competencies to assess resident competency and educational interventions.

Objectives:

To describe the development and psychometric properties of a novel, competency-based instrument to measure resident knowledge and self-efficacy in PPC.

Methods:

We created a 2-part instrument comprised of a knowledge test (KT) and a self-efficacy inventory (SEI) addressing 18 consensus, core PC resident competencies across 5 domains: pain and symptom management; communication; psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural aspects of care; terminal care and bereavement; and PC principles and practice. The instrument was distributed to 341 internal medicine residents during academic years 2015 to 2016 and 2016 to 2017. A standard item analysis was performed on the KT. Internal consistency (Cronbach α) and variable relationships (factor analysis) were measured for the SEI.

Results:

One hundred forty-four residents completed the survey (42% response). For 15 KT items, difficulty ranged from 0.17 to 0.98, with 7 items ranging 0.20 to 0.80 (typical optimum difficulty); discrimination ranged from 0.03 to 0.60 with 10 items ≥0.27 (good to very good discrimination). Cronbach α was 0.954 for 35 SEI items. Factor analysis of combined 2015 to 2016 items yielded 4 factors explaining the majority of variance for the entire set of variables.

Conclusion:

Our instrument demonstrates promising psychometric properties and reliability in probing the constructs of PC and can be further utilized in PC GME research to assess learners and evaluate PPC educational interventions.
Orthodontic Treatment in a Patient With Kniest Dysplasia: A Case Study and Review of Literature
Authors: Jhamb Tania , Masood Hayat , Arigo Jeffrey , Rossouw P. Emile
Published: June 2019

Kniest dysplasia is a rare autosomal dominant chondrodysplasia that is characterized by distinct musculoskeletal and craniofacial irregularities. These craniofacial abnormalities include cleft palate, midface anomalies, tracheomalacia, and hearing loss. This article illustrates a case of Kniest dysplasia that presented for orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this literature review is to describe clinical manifestations, radiographic features, histopathological features, genetic mutation, and management of Kniest dysplasia.
On the Frequency of Oronasal Fistulation After Primary Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Tache Ana , Mommaerts Maurice Y.
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The aims of the study were to assess the postoperative oronasal fistula rate after 1-stage and 2-stage cleft palate repair and identify risk factors associated with its development.

Design:

Systematic review.

Setting:

Various primary cleft and craniofacial centers in the world.

Patients, Participants:

Syndromic and nonsyndromic cleft lip, alveolus, and palate patients who had undergone primary cleft palate surgery.

Intervention:

Assessment of oronasal fistula frequency and correlation with staging, timing, and technique of repair, gender, and Veau type. The results obtained in this systematic review were compared with those in previous reports.

Outcome:

The main outcome is represented by the occurrence of the oronasal fistula after 1-stage versus 2-stage palatoplasty.

Results:

The mean fistula percentage was 9.94%. In the Veau I, II, III, and IV groups, the respective fistula rates were 2%, 7.3%, 8.3%, and 12.5%. Oronasal fistula locations based on the Pittsburgh Fistula Classification System were soft palate (type II), 16.2%; soft palate–hard palate junction (type III), 29.3%; and hard palate (type IV), 37.3%. There were no statistically significant differences between 1-stage and 2-stage palatoplasty, syndromic and nonsyndromic, or male and female patients. Primary palatoplasty timing was not a significant predictor.

Conclusion:

Some disparities arose when comparing studies, mainly regarding location and types of clefting prone to oronasal fistulation. Interestingly, the fistula rate does not differ between 1- and 2-stage closure, and timing of the repair does not play a role.
Critical Literacy and Its Impact on African American Boys’ Reading Identity
Authors: Robinson Shawn Anthony
Published: June 2019

Literature on twice exceptional African American boys who are gifted academically and have a learning disability neglects to emphasize contributing factors relating to the reading gap and lack of effective reading interventions and curriculum. Although the demographics of special education classrooms are shifting to mirror more diverse students, it remains a question as to how critical literacy impacts African American boys’ reading identity based on a representational intersectionality approach to learning, leaving unanswered questions about proper academic support services. This article begins with definitions, followed by key factors in language and literacy development. Next, the article will highlight the urgent importance of critical literacy and its impact on reading identity, concluding with a discussion that focuses on a representational intersectionality approach to learning that includes applying Sweet and Snow’s model. The article will culminate with a call for action for classroom practice.
Nonlinear semi-active adaptive vibration control of a half vehicle model under unmeasured road input
Authors: Paksoy Mahmut , Metin Muzaffer
Published: June 2019

This study examined automobile vibrations by using a half vehicle model, and its vertical and angular vibrations were suppressed by means of the nonlinear adaptive control of a magneto-rheological damper. The control method was designed in such a way that it did not need to measure the road input to suppress the vibrations by the use of adaptive road observers. Therefore, disadvantages such as measurement difficulty and cost were also eliminated. Instead of completely experimental test rigs, the hardware-in-the-loop simulation which is a hybrid method was preferred due to it being easier to set up, cheaper, and also it had a close response to the full experimental system. The experimental responses obtained by the proposed adaptive control method with adaptive road observers and the nonlinear adaptive control method in which the road disturbances were measured were compared in the time and frequency domains. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was shown using some figures, root mean square values, and performance indices.
Ibrutinib-associated sever skin toxicity: A case of multiple inflamed skin lesions and cellulitis in a 68-year-old male patient with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia – Case report and literature review
Authors: Ghasoub R , Albattah A , Elazzazy S , Alokka R , Nemir A , Alhijji I , Taha R
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Ibrutinib is an oral inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase that is used for a variety of B cell hematological malignancies. Skin and subcutaneous tissue manifestations have been reported and were witnessed in up to 32% of the patients on ibrutinib. The mechanism in which ibrutinib can cause skin toxicities has been thought due to the inhibition of epidermal growth factor; c-Kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptor). Here, we report a case of an elderly chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient who developed multiple inflamed lesions and lower limb cellulitis in 100 days after initiating ibrutinib therapy.

Case report

A 68-year-old male patient with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia was started on ibrutinib 420 mg orally daily following multiple lines of therapy. Three months following ibrutinib, the patient developed multiple hyper pigmented lesions over both forearms then over both thighs; buttocks and lower limbs. The lesions were labeled as ecthyma and cellulitis that started as papules, which progressed to pustules.

Management and outcomes

The patient required admission in which he received prolonged course of antibiotics. Biopsy from the wound showed soft tissue fragment infiltrated by acute and chronic inflammatory cells with necrosis; rare foreign body giant cells and granulation tissue formation; suggestive of abscess. Subsequently, ibrutinib was stopped permanently.

Discussion

This is the first case description of an ibrutinib-associated sever skin toxicity in Qatar. The provided information regarding the clinical descriptions of toxicity profiles in general and skin-based in particular is valuable information for daily clinical practice, especially when selecting the optimum first-line treatment for the patient.
Effects of gamma ray, electron beam, and X-ray on the reduction of Aspergillus flavus on red pepper powder (Capsicum annuum L.) and gochujang (red pepper paste)
Authors: Byun Kye-Hwan , Cho Min-Jung , Park Shin-Young , Chun Hyang Sook , Ha Sang-Do
Published: June 2019

Aspergillus flavus is the potential pathogenic mold in red pepper powder ( Capsicum annuum L.) and gochujang (red pepper paste), which can produce mycotoxins. This study investigated the effects of gamma ray, e-beam, and X-ray irradiation on the reduction of A. flavus on red pepper powder and gochujang and physicochemical and sensory quality changes. Gamma ray and e-beam at 3.5 kGy reduced A. flavus effectively (>4 log), without deteriorating the physicochemical quality. Same dose of X-ray did not cause any deterioration of the physicochemical quality. However, reduction effect of A. flavus in red pepper powder and gochujang by 3.5 kGy X-ray was under 2 log. Further, sensory quality analysis showed no significant difference in color, appearance, texture, and overall acceptability after three irradiations. However, flavor changes of red pepper powder and gochujang after three irradiations were mentioned by panelists. In this study, gamma ray and e-beam irradiation were effective in eliminating A. flavus present in red pepper powder and gochujang, but X-ray irradiation was not effective. The results indicate gamma ray and e-beam are effective in controlling microorganisms present in powdery or paste foods, but the X-ray was not effective.
Nicotinamide as Independent Variable for Intelligence, Fertility, and Health: Origin of Human Creative Explosions?
Authors: Williams Adrian C , Hill Lisa J
Published: June 2019

Meat and nicotinamide acquisition was a defining force during the 2-million-year evolution of the big brains necessary for, anatomically modern, Homo sapiens to survive. Our next move was down the food chain during the Mesolithic ‘broad spectrum’, then horticultural, followed by the Neolithic agricultural revolutions and progressively lower average ‘doses’ of nicotinamide. We speculate that a fertility crisis and population bottleneck around 40 000 years ago, at the time of the Last Glacial Maximum, was overcome by Homo (but not the Neanderthals) by concerted dietary change plus profertility genes and intense sexual selection culminating in behaviourally modern Homo sapiens. Increased reliance on the ‘de novo’ synthesis of nicotinamide from tryptophan conditioned the immune system to welcome symbionts, such as TB (that excrete nicotinamide), and to increase tolerance of the foetus and thereby fertility. The trade-offs during the warmer Holocene were physical and mental stunting and more infectious diseases and population booms and busts. Higher nicotinamide exposure could be responsible for recent demographic and epidemiological transitions to lower fertility and higher longevity, but with more degenerative and auto-immune disease.
Risk and the Spectral Politics of Disability
Authors: Fritsch Kelly , McGuire Anne
Published: June 2019

Drawing on the institutional history of the sperm bank and legacies of eugenics, we consider how spectrums of risk simultaneously constrain and expand possibilities for disability justice. We do so by examining the discourses surrounding US-based Xytex Corporation sperm bank Donor 9623, described as the ‘perfect’ donor but later discovered to have a criminal record and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Haunted by the dread of disability, we examine how parents mark the fate of their donor-conceived child on a graded spectrum of genetic and psychiatric risk, in need of perpetual monitoring and intervention. Using this case to understand the contemporary reorganization of disability via spectral risk, we advocate for a critical engagement with how disability haunting can enable us to better attend to the effects of the past and present in such a way that provokes a more collectively just future.
Use of real-time videoconferencing to deliver physical therapy services: A scoping review of published and emerging evidence
Authors: Horsley Stephanie , Schock Gunnar , Grona Stacey L , Montieth Kara , Mowat Bryttnee , Stasiuk Kiara , Boden Catherine , Bath Brenna
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Telehealth may be a viable means to deliver physical therapy services across a range of practice settings and health conditions; however, there is limited uptake of telehealth in clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to examine and describe trends, gaps and opportunities in published and emerging evidence regarding the use of real-time videoconferencing to deliver physical therapy services.

Methods

Four databases and three trial registries were searched using terms for physical therapy and telehealth. Inclusion criteria were primary studies, systematic reviews and published trial registries that had the following features: physical therapy assessment and/or treatment, real-time videoconferencing and English language. Title/abstract, full text screening and data extraction were completed by pairs of independent reviewers. Descriptive statistics stratified by published research and trial registry records were used to summarize study characteristics.

Results

A total of 100 studies (80 published and 20 trial registries) were included. Australia, Canada and the US have the highest proportion of published and emerging research (63%). The majority of conditions studied were musculoskeletal (42%). Computers were the most common videoconferencing technology used (31%) and only 14% of studies reported using a secure platform. The majority of studies examined health outcomes (64%) and process outcomes (65%), while only 32% reported system outcomes.

Discussion

Research in the field of telehealth and physical therapy is growing and becoming increasingly diverse with the advancements in technology.
Predictors and outcomes associated with therapeutic alliance in cognitive behaviour therapy for children with autism
Authors: Albaum Carly , Tablon Paula , Roudbarani Flora , Weiss Jonathan A
Published: June 2019

Therapeutic alliance is often an important aspect of psychotherapy, though it is rarely examined in clients with autism. This study aims to determine the child pre-treatment variables and treatment outcomes associated with early and late alliance in cognitive behaviour therapy targeting emotion regulation for children with autism. Data were collected from 48 children with autism who participated in a larger randomized-controlled trial. Pre-treatment child characteristics included child, parent, and clinician report of child emotional and behavioural functioning. Primary outcome measures included child and parent-reported emotion regulation. Therapeutic alliance (bond and task-collaboration) was measured using observational coding of early and late therapy sessions. Pre-treatment levels of child-reported emotion inhibition were associated with subsequent early and late bond. Pre-treatment levels of parent and child-reported emotion regulation were related to early and late task-collaboration. Late task-collaboration was also associated with pre-treatment levels of behavioural and emotional symptom severity. Task-collaboration in later sessions predicted improvements in parent-reported emotion regulation from pre- to post-therapy. Future research is needed to further examine the role of task-collaboration as a mechanism of treatment change in therapies for children with autism.
Impact and implementation of Healthy Life Centres, a primary-care service intervention for behaviour change in Norway: Study design
Authors: Blom Ellen Eimhjellen , Oldervoll Line , Aadland Eivind , Solbraa Ane Kristiansen , Skrove Guri Kaurstad
Published: June 2019

Aims: This ongoing study is investigating the implementation and long-term impact of Healthy Life Centres (HLCs), a primary-care service intervention for behaviour change in Norway. The primary aim is to study changes in objectively measured physical activity (PA) levels following a HLC intervention in the short (three months) and long term (15 months). Furthermore, the study is evaluating determinants concerning implementation and adaption of the HLC intervention that influence reach and impact on participants outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study includes 32 HLCs from four different geographical regions in Norway. Subjects aged ⩾18 years were invited to participate. The study has a pre–post design with a 15-month follow-up. The HLC intervention is a three-month individualised program, containing personal consultations and group-based behaviour-specific courses on PA, diet and smoking cessation. Data collection consists of registration of objectively measured PA level, physical examinations, interviews and questionnaires. In addition, HLC organisation, offers, professions and resources are being examined. The Reach, Efficacy/Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework is being applied to study the external validation of the HLC intervention. The study enrolled 1020 participants who gave their written informed consent. Post-tests and follow-up data collection is still ongoing and will continue until August 2019. Conclusions: By exploring the HLC intervention in a real-world setting and addressing the elements of RE-AIM, this study will contribute to an improved understanding and development of effective primary-care behaviour interventions such as the HLC model. The strengths of the study are the large sample size and the many HLCs and regions included.
How 15- to 16-year-old Swedish adolescents experience social relationships and health-related behaviours: A qualitative study
Authors: Paulsson Do Ulrica , Edlund Birgitta , Stenhammar Christina , Westerling Ragnar
Published: June 2019

Aims: Health-related behaviours are associated with social relationships. Adolescence is a time when healthy and unhealthy behaviours are established. There is a need to investigate adolescents’ views on how social relationships are related to health-related behaviours of adolescents in the Scandinavian welfare system. This study aimed to explore Swedish adolescents’ experiences and thoughts of how social relationships in different social environments are related to health-related behaviours. Methods: A total of 36 adolescents aged 15–16 years were interviewed in seven focus-group sessions. Qualitative content analysis was used for analysis of the transcribed interviews. Results: Two themes – social context and personal management – emerged. Swedish adolescents describe that their health-related behaviours as being partly shaped by their own personal management but mainly by the social contexts that surround them. Social contexts were expressed as playing a role in the adolescents’ health-related behaviours, as they provide fellowship, pressure, dependability and engagement. Fellowship with friends and family was expressed as providing healthy behaviours and high levels of well-being. Fellowship with friends was particularly important for physical activity. Close relationships were stated to influence health-related behaviours. Pressure from friends, teachers and social media were described as mainly influencing unhealthy behaviours and, to some extent, low levels of well-being. However, adolescents’ personal ability illustrated how adolescents shaped their own health-related behaviours. Conclusions: The study results contribute to the understanding of Swedish adolescents’ views on how social relationships can shape their health-related behaviours. The findings may be useful to school professionals in supporting adolescents to improve well-being and healthy behaviours.
Human foot tapping-induced particle resuspension in indoor environments: Flooring hardness effect
Authors: Benabed Ahmed , Limam Karim , Janssens Bart , Bosschaerts Walter
Published: June 2019

Particle resuspension due to human foot tapping (the landing phase of the foot during the gait cycle) was experimentally studied in a 25 cm (W) × 25 cm (H) × 50 (L) experimental chamber. The foot tapping was modelled using a free rotation toward the floor of a wooden rectangular plate (8 cm (W) × 22 cm (L)). Flooring included ceramic tile, hardwood, PVC tile, vinyl, and two different linoleum samples were utilized. Particle resuspension source strengths were estimated using the mass balance equation. Source strength (emission rates in number of particles per time) ranged from 4 particles/s to 0.05 particles/s. For 0.5–0.65 µm particles, the source strengths in the case of the ceramic tile are 2.5 times greater than those of the PVC tile and eight times greater than those of linoleum flooring. The results show that particles source strengths increase with flooring hardness. However, flooring roughness shows no significant influence on particle resuspension.
The unmet needs of carers of stroke survivors: An evaluation of Google search results
Authors: Denham Alexandra MJ , Wynne Olivia , Baker Amanda L , Spratt Neil J , Bonevski Billie
Published: June 2019

Google is the most used search engine in the world, and likely to be used by caregivers of stroke survivors to find online forums and online communities to connect with other caregivers. This study aims to identify the types of websites accessed by caregivers of stroke survivors to connect with other caregivers, and analyse the online content produced by caregivers to identify their unmet needs. The first 20 websites from eight search strings entered into Google were systematically reviewed. Unmet needs on included websites were identified using a pre-determined coding schedule. Six websites were analysed. Most were discussion boards (n = 5, 83%) developed by organisations in the United States (n = 4, 66.6%). Overall, 2124 unmet needs appeared in 896 posts from caregivers. ‘Emotional and psychological’ were the most reported needs across posts (n = 765, 36%). Content produced on websites may address social isolation and provide insight into delivering and developing services to meet the needs of caregivers of stroke survivors.
The effect of fuel on high velocity evaporating fuel sprays: Large-Eddy simulation of Spray A with various fuels
Authors: Kaario Ossi Tapani , Vuorinen Ville , Kahila Heikki , Im Hong G , Larmi Martti
Published: June 2019

Lagrangian particle tracking and Large-Eddy simulation were used to assess the effect of different fuels on spray characteristics. In such a two-way coupled modeling scenario, spray momentum accelerates the gaseous phase into an intense, multiphase jet near the nozzle. To assess fuel property effects on liquid spray formation, the non-reacting Engine Combustion Network Spray A baseline condition was chosen as the reference case. The validated Spray A case was modified by replacing n-dodecane with diesel, methanol, dimethyl ether, or propane assuming 150 MPa injection pressure. The model features and performance for various fuels in the under-resolved near-nozzle region are discussed. The main findings of the paper are as follows. (1) We show that, in addition to the well-known liquid penetration [Formula: see text], and vapor penetration [Formula: see text], for all the investigated fuels, the modeled multiphase jets exhibit also a third length scale [Formula: see text], with discussed correspondence to a potential core part common to single phase jets. (2) As a characteristic feature of the present model, [Formula: see text] is noted to correlate linearly with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for all the fuels. (3) A separate sensitivity test on density variation indicated that the liquid density had a relatively minor role on [Formula: see text]. (4) Significant dependency between fuel oxygen content and the equivalence ratio [Formula: see text] distribution was observed. (5) Repeated simulations indicated injection-to-injection variations below 2% for [Formula: see text] and 4% for [Formula: see text]. In the absence of experimental and fully resolved numerical near-nozzle velocity data, the exact details of [Formula: see text] remain as an open question. In contrast, fuel property effects on spray development have been consistently explained herein.
Making space for the participant with complex communication (access) needs in social work research
Authors: Dee-Price Betty-Jean
Published: June 2019

Despite the advancement of disability rights and augmentative and alternative communication, people with complex communication access needs (CCAN) are often absent from social work, and other qualitative study cohorts. After exploring the underlying reasons for this, the purpose of the study was to investigate successful exceptions of prior research in the field and to bring these together with the findings from a group of 10 participants with CCAN who reveal what they believe is needed to include people with CCAN in qualitative research. These insights are applied specifically to the context of social work research so as to advance an alignment between the ethos of the profession and inclusive practice.
Efficacy of a Laparoscopic Saline-Coupled Bipolar Sealer in Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Surgery
Authors: Sastry Amit , Sulzer Jesse K. , Passeri Michael , Baker Erin H. , Vrochides Dionisios , McKillop Iain H. , Iannitti David A. , Martinie John B.
Published: June 2019

Hepatic resection presents unique surgical challenges to reduce blood loss during parenchymal division. The development of saline-coupled bipolar devices, in which hemostasis is achieved at lower temperatures than electrocautery or other bipolar sealing devices, have been employed for open hepatic resection. Saline-coupled bipolar devices have now become available for minimally invasive use. The goals of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a laparoscopic saline-coupled bipolar device for minimally invasive hepatectomy. Seventeen patients (median age 66 years, range 36-81) were consented for inclusion and enrolled. Patient demographics, intraoperative data, and surgeon feedback were collected. Seven robot-assisted partial hepatectomies, 9 laparoscopic partial hepatectomies, and 1 laparoscopic cholecystectomy with liver abscess resection were performed. Average operating time was 222 ± 33 minutes (median 188 minutes; range 61-564 minutes) with no difference between robotic versus laparoscopic time. Successful seals were achieved in all cases following application of 150 to 200 J energy (average 179 ± 3 J, average time to achieve a successful seal 9.3 ± 2.7 minutes). Estimated blood loss was 362 ± 74 mL (median 300 mL, range 5-1200 mL) and 3/17 patients received intraoperative blood transfusion. No bile leaks were detected in any of the patients. Median length of stay was 5 days (range 1-20 days), and there were no readmissions within 30 days. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 5/17 patients, all of which were Clavien Grade 1. There was no mortality within 90 days or complications requiring a return to the operating room, and there were no liver-specific morbidities. These data suggest the laparoscopic Aquamantys device represents a useful device for use in minimally invasive liver resection.
Multifunctional composite fibers with conductive and magnetic properties
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Xichang , Gong Yan , Wang Rui , Yang Sheng , Pei Yongfu
Published: June 2019

The composite fibers with conductive and magnetic properties were prepared from the spinning solution consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate), and Co-doped Fe3O4 magnetic particles (Co-Fe3O4) via a conventional wet spinning process. The morphology, microstructure, elemental composition, crystallinity, thermal stability, mechanical properties, conductivity, and magnetic properties of the composite fibers were studied. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the diameters of the composite fibers were in the range of 30–50 μm with a rough surface and reniform cross-section. The energy-dispersive spectra results indicated that the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) particles were mostly distributed on the surface of the composite fiber, while the Co-Fe3O4 magnetic particles mainly existed inside the fiber. The composite fibers were amorphous, but contained a certain crystalline phase, and with the increase of the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) content, the crystallinity of the composite fiber decreased. The conductivity and saturation magnetization of the composite fiber with a Co-Fe3O4 content of 2.68 wt% and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) of 8.6 wt% reached 0.2 S/cm and 1.9 A m2/kg, respectively. Besides, the composite fibers displayed improved thermal stability and good mechanical properties, which are applicable in electromagnetic protection fields.
Clinical Case of Acute Non-Traumatic Hand Compartment Syndrome and Systematic Review for the Upper Extremity
Authors: Ogrodnik Joseph , Oliver Jeremie D. , Cani Daniel , Boczar Daniel , Huayllani Maria T. , Restrepo David J. , Sisti Andrea , Manrique Oscar J. , Broer Peter Niclas , Forte Antonio J.
Published: June 2019

Background: While trauma to the upper extremity is known to cause acute compartment syndrome (ACS), nontraumatic causes of ACS of the upper extremity are rare. Nontraumatic ACS of the upper extremity can lead to adverse outcomes if not recognized early. There are limited reports of spontaneous ACS published in the literature. The aim of this comprehensive systematic review is to increase awareness among plastic surgeons and hand surgeons of this acute event and provide an algorithmic approach to management in the acute setting through an illustrative case example. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review of published literature was conducted in the Medline/PubMed database with the search terms, “compartment syndrome,” “extremity,” “spontaneous,” “nontraumatic,” and “atraumatic” without timeframe limitations. Articles were identified and included in this review based on ACS localization in the upper extremity and etiology of nontraumatic, spontaneous origin. Results: Sixteen publications and 19 total cases of nontraumatic ACS of the upper extremity from 1993 to 2016 met our search criteria. A bleeding disorder was the etiology in three cases, systemic anticoagulation in three cases, infection in six cases, and unknown in three cases. The remaining four cases included systemic sclerosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, and McArdle disease. Conclusions: Nontraumatic causes of ACS of the upper extremity include infection, anticoagulation therapy, and bleeding disorders. Even though trauma is the most common cause of ACS, clinicians should be aware of these other potential causes of ACS in the nontraumatic setting. Appropriate medical and surgical intervention should be done to avoid potential adverse outcomes.
Both Bone Forearm Infected Nonunion: Report of a One-Bone Free Fibula Flap Salvage and Literature Review
Authors: Xu Chris , Orec Rob , Mathy Jon A
Published: June 2019

Background: Both bone forearm infective nonunions represent a rare but functionally limb threatening condition. Method: We report a successful salvage of a severe near total both bone diaphysial osteomyelitis by conversion to a one-bone forearm with free fibula flap. A literature review on forearm salvage addressing both bone defects was performed. Results: Bony union was achieved at 4 months with a highly functional extremity salvage in our case. Conclusion: While very little prior experience has been reported for long segmental both bone forearm infected nonunions, we report of this highly satisfactory salvage using one-bone free tissue transfer strategy. We also provided our literature review with history, indication and evolution of individualized treatment options for this difficult surgical condition.
Long-term follow up after switching from original infliximab to an infliximab biosimilar: real-world data
Authors: Guerra Veloz María Fernanda , Belvis Jiménez María , Valdes Delgado Teresa , Castro Laria Luisa , Maldonado Pérez Belén , Perea Amarillo Raúl , Merino Bohórquez Vicente , Caunedo Álvarez Ángel , Vilches Arenas Ángel , Argüelles-Arias Federico
Published: June 2019

Background:

Several studies have reported positive efficacy outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with CT-P13, an infliximab biosimilar. Data from follow-up periods longer than 1 year are still scarce. Here, we assessed the long-term efficacy data, loss of response and safety after switching from infliximab to CT-P13 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods:

This was a prospective single-center observational study involving patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis switched from infliximab to CT-P13 treatment and reviewed up to 24 months. Efficacy and loss of response were measured using the Harvey–Bradshaw (HB) index and partial Mayo score for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis respectively. C-reactive protein, infliximab drug levels, adverse events and antidrug antibodies were also monitored throughout the study.

Results:

A total of 64 patients with Crohn’s disease and 36 patients with ulcerative colitis were included. Most of them (72%) remained on CT-P13. Overall, 28% of patients discontinued the therapy due to loss of response, adverse events or long-lasting clinical remission. Remission at 18 and 24 months occurred in 69.9% and 68.5% of patients, respectively. Dose increase was performed in 22% of patients, with remission being reached in 60% of them. HB index, partial Mayo score, C-reactive protein and infliximab drug levels did not show significant changes. Serious adverse events were reported in 14% of patients. Overall, two patients developed low levels of antidrug antibodies.

Conclusions:

Most of the patients switching from original infliximab were maintained on CT-P13 at 2 years of follow up with a good profile of efficacy and safety.