bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Balanced Reciprocal Translocation t(2;9)(p25;q13) Disrupting the LINC00299 Gene in a Patient with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Dornelles-Wawruk Halinna , Soledad Heredia Romina , de Paula-Junior Milton R. , Cardoso Maria Terezinha O. , Bonadio Raphael S. , dos Reis Bianca F. , Pic-Taylor Aline , de Oliveira Silviene F. , Mazzeu Juliana F.
Published: June 2019

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs implicated in several biological processes. LincRNA 299 (LINC00299) maps to 2p25.1 and its function is still unknown. However, this gene has been proposed as a candidate for intellectual disability (ID) in a patient with a balanced translocation where the breakpoint disrupted its ORF. Here, we describe a new case of LINC00299 disruption associated with ID. The individual, a 42-year-old woman, was referred to the clinical geneticist because of her son who had severe syndromic ID. G-banding and chromosomal microarray analysis were performed. Karyotyping of the boy revealed an extranumerary derivative chromosome identified as an unbalanced translocation between chromosomes 2 and 9 of maternal origin. The mother's karyotype showed a balanced translocation 46,XX,t(2;9)(p25;q13). Chromosomal microarray indicated a disruption of LINC00299. These data corroborate the role of LINC00299 as a causative gene for ID and broadens the spectrum of LINC00299-related phenotypes.
Temporal and spatial determinants of route selection in homing seabirds
Authors: Shiomi Kozue , Sato Katsufumi , Katsumata Nobuhiro , Yoda Ken
Published: June 2019

Time of day is recognized as an important behaviour modulator of wild animals mainly via physical environmental changes such as temperature and light intensity. These temporal factors can also affect animal movements (i.e., changes of locations) and consequent distribution. However, while it is commonly observed in diverse taxa that an animal’s attendance at a specific site concentrates within a narrow time window, how time influences the route selections of traveling animals in the course of their movements through to the end point is still not well understood. In this study, we quantified temporal and spatial patterns in the homing paths of streaked shearwaters Calonectris leucomelas, which are present at the breeding colony exclusively after sunset, to investigate how time constrains their movement strategy for homing from at-sea foraging areas. We tracked the foraging trips using GPS loggers in chick-rearing seasons for five years. In addition, in one year we conducted displacement experiments, releasing birds at sea at three different times of the day (midday, sunset and night-time) to impose time constraints on homeward movements. The movement paths revealed that the time of sunset was key to their decision of timing and in route selections during homing. Most birds returning from foraging trips reached the coastal area around sunset by adjusting travel timing and directions, despite variation in foraging areas, and flew along the coastline to the breeding island. Meanwhile, most birds released offshore stopped flights around sunset and waited on the water surface for sunrise before restarting their homeward movements. Birds therefore avoid offshore traveling at night, appearing to preferentially use diurnal cues for homing at sea. This study demonstrates the importance of timing as well as geographic features for homing decisions of streaked shearwaters and confirms that both spatial and temporal cognitive abilities are well developed in seabirds.
Acoustically different contact calls of mother and young goitred gazelle are equally individualized: is this a common relationship in ruminants?
Authors: Volodin Ilya A. , Sibiryakova Olga V. , Soldatova Natalia V. , Volodina Elena V.
Published: June 2019

Relationships between individualization and the acoustics of contact calls in ungulate mother and young are different between taxa. We compared the acoustic variables and individuality of adult female and neonate goitred gazelles Gazella subgutturosa. Discriminant function analysis based on six acoustic variables of nasal (closed-mouth) contact calls similarly accurately classified calls to neonate and adult individuals in spite of the prominent differences in the acoustic resonances (formants) and the mean fundamental frequency of their calls. In addition, we found prominent differences in duration, mean fundamental frequency and frequencies of the first four formants between nasal and oral (open-mouth) contact calls within and between adult and neonate age-classes. We discuss the effects on the acoustics of call production mode (oral versus nasal) and the relationship of acoustic differences and individuality in mother and young contact calls across species of ruminants (Bovidae and Cervidae).
Lepidagathis shrirangii (Acanthaceae) a new species from Konkan region of Maharashtra, India
Authors: NATEKAR PRATIK DILIP , BORUDE DEVIDAS BHAUSAHEB , KAMBALE SHARAD SURESH , CHANDORE ARUN NIVRUTTI
Published: June 2019

Lepidagathis shrirangii, a new species of Lepidagathis is described and illustrated from Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. The new species is closely allied with L. lutea, which was also described from Konkan region of Maharashtra. Coloured photographs, notes on the relationship and the key to the species with two seeds and five sepals is provided to facilitate the identification.
The crab spider genus Tarrocanus Simon, 1895 with notes on the genera
Alcimochthes Simon, 1895 and Domatha Simon, 1895 (Araneae:Thomisidae)
Authors: ARACHCHI ILESHA S. ILEPERUMA , BENJAMIN SURESH P.
Published: June 2019

The crab spider genus Tarrocanus Simon, 1895 currently includes two species: T. capra Simon, 1895 and T. viridis Dyal, 1935. Recent field work revealed the presence of a new species, providing an opportunity to review the genus. The new species is described as T. jaffnaensis sp. nov. Furthermore, the male of T. capra is described for the first time, and taxonomic notes on Alcimochthes Simon, 1885 and Domatha Simon, 1895 are given, both presumably being close relatives of Tarrocanus. Tarrocanus viridis Dyal, 1935 is considered as nomen dubium.
New records for the genus Issus Fabricius (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoroidea: Issidae) from northern Africa and Spain
Authors: GNEZDILOV VLADIMIR M. , BOUHACHEM SONIA , KONSTANTINOV FEDOR V.
Published: June 2019

Issus kabylicus Dlabola, 1989 is recorded for the first time from Tunisia and I. vaucheri Gnezdilov, 2017 – from Spain. I. kabylicus is redescribed and illustrated. Male and female genitalia of I. coleoptratus (Fabricius, 1781) are described and illustrated based on the specimens from Germany (type locality). Relationships of African Issus species are discussed. Close relationships of I. climacus Fieber, 1876 to Madeiran and Canarian Issus species are revealed.
Current Trends and Issues in Indian Federalism
Authors: Jha Prakash Chandra
Published: June 2019

The article examines the recent trends and issues in Indian federalism. The federal system has become transformedy in the last seven decades—from being dismissed as a full-fledged federal system to a widely acclaimed federal system in the world. Simply put, Indian federalism has become more meaningful and functional post-liberalisation. The article has examined this turnaround. From a subordinate position till the late 1980s, states rose to occupy a strategic position in India’s move from a command economy to a market economy. No wonder, therefore, the Centre became more interested in involving states in even forbidden area such as foreign policy matters. Divisive politics in several states today is being replaced by developmental politics. States are not only competing but also learning from each other. States are being seen by the Centre as drivers of India’s growth.
‘Alert not alarm’: The UK experience of public counter-terrorism awareness and training, with explicit reference to Project ARGUS
Authors: Aplin Dylan , Rogers Marian Brooke
Published: June 2019

This study evaluates the contribution of a UK counter-terrorism training tool, the Project ARGUS simulation exercise format, designed to increase preparedness by ‘alerting not alarming’ the populace to the prevailing ‘severe’ international terrorist threat. The paper draws upon the theoretical basis for preparedness in order to contend that, despite exceeding expectations in terms of quantity of events delivered and evidence of immediate post-event learning, Project ARGUS does not wholly live up to its promise to change the behaviour of individuals and organisations by embedding long-term learning. The researchers designed and analysed pre- and post-event questionnaires (N = 120) in order to explore the impact of attendance at an ARGUS Retail event within a shopping centre. This information was then augmented with a follow-up survey (N = 44) and semi-structured interviews (N = 9) of key facilitators and participants. The authors recommend the immediate adoption of an appropriate evaluation and certification scheme to mandate participation and embed organisational learning. They argue that adoption of these approaches would better enable ARGUS to fulfil its potential and make a significant contribution to improving the resilience of busy crowded places to terrorism in the UK.
Persisting Gaps in Coverage and Services of Illinois Women Who Acquired Insurance After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Bergo Cara Jane , Dominik Bethany , Sanz Stephanie , Rankin Kristin , Handler Arden
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

Before implementation of the Affordable Care Act, many uninsured women in Illinois received care through safety-net programs. The new law allowed them to acquire health insurance through Medicaid or the Illinois Health Exchange. We examined (1) the health care experiences of such women who previously used a safety-net program and acquired this new coverage and (2) persisting gaps in coverage for breast and cervical cancer services and other health care services.

Methods:

We interviewed a stratified random sample of 400 women aged 34-64 in Illinois each year during 2015-2017 (total N = 1200). We used multivariable logistic regression models to determine the association between health insurance status (Illinois Health Exchange vs Medicaid) and past 12-month gaps in coverage (ie, delaying care, not having a recent mammogram, having a medical cost, and having a medical cost not covered) for the 360 women who were former participants of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for race/ethnicity, age, income, and education.

Results:

We found no significant differences by health insurance status in the prevalence of delaying preventive, chronic, or sick care; timeliness of the most recent mammogram; and having a major medical cost. However, of women who reported a major medical cost, women with health insurance through the Illinois Health Exchange had a higher prevalence of not having a cost covered than women with Medicaid (adjusted OR = 4.86; 95% CI, 1.48-16.03).

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that many women who gained health insurance lacked adequate coverage and services. Safety-net programs will likely continue to play an essential role in supporting women as they navigate a complex system.
Fat Words or Useful Concepts?: Consensus and Variation in Conceptions of Problematic Drinking in Contemporary Sweden
Authors: Wallander Lisa , Blomqvist Jan
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to bring to light the meanings attributed to four concepts denoting problematic drinking—“alcoholism,” “alcohol dependence,” “alcohol misuse,” and “risky drinking”—and to investigate whether individuals’ preferences for using these concepts vary depending on their demographic characteristics, their stakeholder group membership, and their own drinking habits. These questions were examined by means of a vignette experiment, in which Swedish social workers, health care staff, journalists, researchers, and the general public ( n = 863) read a series of 10 randomly constructed fictitious cases (vignettes; n = 8,630) and made judgments about which of the four concepts best portrayed the case descriptions. Results based on multilevel multinomial logistic regression showed that alcoholism was the concept chosen for the “heaviest” and most problematic drinking, whereas risky drinking was most often employed to describe moderate drinking habits that resulted in few negative consequences. The concepts alcohol misuse and alcohol dependence were positioned between alcoholism and risky drinking, and while misuse was linked to drinking large quantities and to more negative consequences, dependence was more frequently used to describe vignettes that involved depictions of craving. Moreover, the respondents’ conceptual choices were affected by their own gender, age, drinking habits, and stakeholder group membership. Taken together, the study’s findings reveal both consensus and variation in the respondents’ choice of concepts, indicating that while these concepts may to some extent be employed for making meaningful distinctions between different types of problematic drinking, there is substantial variation in the way the concepts are employed.
An ecological study of NHS funded elective hip arthroplasties in England from 2003/04 to 2012/13
Authors: Sutaria Shailen , Kirkwood Graham , Pollock Allyson M
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To examine the impact of NHS-funded private provision on NHS provision, access and inequalities.

Design

Ecological study using routinely collected NHS inpatient data.

Setting

England.

Participants

All individuals undergoing an NHS-funded elective hip arthroplasty in England from 2003/2004 to 2012/2013.

Main outcome measures

Annual crude and standardised rates of hip arthroplasties per 100,000 population performed by NHS and private providers between 2004/2005 and 2012/2013.

Results

Age standardised rates of hip arthroplasty increased from 116.4 (95% CI 115.4–117.4) to 148.7 (147.6–149.8) per 100,000 between 2004/2005 and 2012/2013. Provision shifted from NHS providers to private providers from 2007/2008; NHS provision decreased 8.6% and private provision increased 188% between 2007/2008 and 2012/2013. There is evidence of risk selection; private sector hip arthroplasties on NHS patients from the most affluent areas increased 228% from 10.8 (10.2–11.5) to 35.4 (34.3–36.5) per 100,000 compared to an increase of 186% from 8.8 (8.1–9.4) to 25.2 (24.1–26.4) per 100,000 among patients from the least affluent areas between 2007/2008 and 2012/2013. There was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) widening in any measure of inequality (absolute, relative difference and slope and relative slope of index inequality) in hip arthroplasty rates between 2004/2005 and 2012/2013.

Conclusion

Private provision substituted for NHS provision and did not add to overall provision favouring patients living in the most affluent area. Continuing the trend towards private provision and reducing NHS provision is likely to result in risk selection and widening inequalities in provision of elective hip arthroplasty in England.
Measuring Psychosocial and Functional Outcomes of a Group Model of Vision Rehabilitation Services for Older Adults
Authors: Horowitz Amy , Leonard Robin , Reinhardt Joann P.
Published: June 2019

The Adaptive Skills Training (AST) program provides vision rehabilitation services to older adults using a group model of instruction, rather than traditional one-to-one training. This article describes the evaluation of psychosocial and functional outcomes of 395 persons who attended AST programs at five rehabilitation agencies in rural communities in New York State.
Perceptions of the Impact of Visual Impairment on the Lives of Adolescents
Authors: Rosenblum L. Penny
Published: June 2019

This article reports on a study of 10 adolescents with visual impairments and their best friends. It found that each adolescent had a unique perspective on the impact of visual impairment on family, school, and peer relationships but that all valued their friendships.
Maximizing the Potential of Young Adults with Visual Impairments: The Metacognitive Element
Authors: Garb Erica
Published: June 2019

An intervention project at the Hebrew University Learning Center for the Blind introduced metacognitive techniques to compensate for educational deficiencies in visually impaired young adults with a history of academic failure. The project, based on the Instrumental Enrichment cognitive training program, led to improvement in students’ motivation, awareness of their own learning strategies, more rapid and sustained academic progress, and increased autonomy in learning.
The VIISA Project: A Model National In-Service Training Program for Infants and Young Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: Dennison Elizabeth Morgan
Published: June 2019

This article describes the results of the VIISA Outreach Project, a well-received in-service training model for personnel who work with infants and young children with visual impairments, which has been in existence since 1991 in 23 states.
The Psychotherapeutic Use of Benign Hallucinations with Persons with Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Authors: Wagner-Lampl Annie , Oliver George
Published: June 2019

This article supports the view that the “pseudohallucinations” of Charles Bonnet syndrome are related to vision loss, not to psychosis. It proposes that the symbolic content of the images can be used to facilitate the psychosocial adaptation to the loss of vision, just as the interpretation of dreams does for sighted people in psychotherapeutic treatment, and presents several clinical vignettes to illustrate this point.
Mass Transportation Operators’ Beliefs about Visual Impairment
Authors: Almon Pamela A.
Published: June 2019

This study investigated 171 mass transit operators’ beliefs about blindness and the factors that may influence their beliefs. Results indicated that there were statistically significant differences among transit operators’ beliefs about blindness on the basis of the operators’ ethnicity.
Weight-Discrimination Sensitivity in Congenitally Blind and Sighted Adults
Authors: Grouios George , Alevriadou Anastasia , Koidou Irene
Published: June 2019

This study compared the weight-discrimination sensitivity of 41 congenitally blind and 41 normally sighted adults. The superior weight-discrimination sensitivity of the congenitally blind subjects suggests that blindness from birth can cause compensatory adaptations within the cutaneous modality.
Development of Vision Rehabilitation Services for Older People who are Visually Impaired: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Orr Alberta L. , Rogers Priscilla
Published: June 2019

Using literature reviews, personal interviews, and personal knowledge, the authors review the development of services for older persons who are blind or visually impaired in the United States during the 20th century. The article is part of the efforts of AFB's National Agenda on Vision and Aging to document history of the field of vision and aging and to move the field forward in the 21st century.
Self-Perception and Locus of Control in Visually Impaired College Students with Different Types of Vision Loss
Authors: Roy Archie W. N. , MacKay Gilbert F.
Published: June 2019

This study used the Twenty Statements Test (TST), a locus of control test, and open-ended questions to elicit responses from 16 college students who were blind or had low vision. A generally positive view of self emerged, but negative TST responses focusing on disability also occurred and sometimes were associated with deteriorating vision loss and recency of onset. Locus-of-control responses were highly external across the group.
The Impact of Developmental Factors on Stereotypic Rocking of Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: McHugh Elaine , Lieberman Lauren
Published: June 2019

Of 52 children who attended a sports camp for children with visual impairments, 15 demonstrated stereotypic rocking currently or in the past. Three factors were associated with rocking: etiology of visual impairment, visual status, and early medical history. Children who were the most likely to exhibit rocking were those with retinopathy of prematurity who underwent lengthy hospital stays and multiple surgeries early in their lives and who were totally blind from birth.
Compensatory Analysis and Strategies for Balance in Individuals with Visual Impairments
Authors: Horvat Michael , Ray Christopher , Ramsey Vincent K. , Miszko Tanya , Keeney Roger , Blasch Bruce B.
Published: June 2019

This study analyzed various components and compensatory strategies of balance in individuals with visual impairments. It found that people with visual impairments use different strategies to maintain balance than do sighted people, in an effort to trade efficiency for safety.
Lighting Needs and Lighting Comfort during Reading with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Fosse Per , Valberg Arne
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the effects of changes in luminance on the oral reading speeds of 13 participants with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a control group of six age-matched persons with typical vision. For the AMD participants, self-reports of light preferences were also recorded. In the AMD group, reading rates depended on light levels and were considerably lower than those of the control group. Reading speeds differed substantially among the AMD participants and, to obtain a functional range of luminance levels for reading, a combination of objective measurements and self-reports were required.
The Language System of Audio Description: An Investigation as a Discursive Process
Authors: Piety Philip J.
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the language used in a selection of films containing audio description and developed a set of definitions that allow productions containing it to be more fully defined, measured, and compared. It also highlights some challenging questions related to audio description as a discursive practice and provides a basis for future study of this unique use of language.
A Report on a Novice User's Interaction with the Internet through a Self-Voicing Application
Authors: Jones Keith S. , Farris J. Shawn , Elgin Peter D. , Anders Brent A. , Johnson Brian R.
Published: June 2019

This study used verbal protocol analysis to examine the behavior of an individual with visual impairment using a self-voicing application to find information on the World Wide Web. The results indicated that executing actions (such as typing or pressing keys) and interpreting the computer system's state (data gathering) were the most frequent and time-consuming tasks. Furthermore, the individual had difficulty determining the effects of her actions on the system and whether relevant information was present on a page. These results suggest that there may be problems in interfacing the user with the software and the way textual information is aurally displayed to the user.
Optimism, Social Comparisons, and Coping with Vision Loss in Israel
Authors: Ben-Zur Hasida , Debi Zoharit
Published: June 2019

This study of 90 adults (aged 55–80) who lost their vision assessed their dispositional optimism, social comparisons, coping strategies, and well-being. The findings suggest that optimism and positive social comparisons play an important role in stimulating the motivation to cope adaptively with vision loss and that enhancing optimism and social comparisons may facilitate the rehabilitation of persons who are legally blind.
Impact of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, Preterm Birth, and Vision Loss on Development
Authors: Celeste Marie
Published: June 2019

This study compared the developmental outcomes of twin boys (one who is blind and one who is sighted) who were born prematurely and diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) at age 24 months. The results indicate a disparity in the developmental outcomes of the twins. Although the medical risk factors that are associated with TTTS and preterm births, as well as vision loss, appear to have a negative impact on developmental outcomes, it is impossible to determine the degree to which any factor is responsible for this result.
Human Factor Analysis of Long Cane Design: Weight and Length
Authors: Rodgers Mark D. , Emerson Robert Wall
Published: June 2019

In a series of experiments, canes of different lengths, weights, and weight distributions were assessed to determine the effect of these characteristics on various performance measures. The results indicate that the overall weight of a cane and the distribution of weight along a cane's shaft do not affect a person's performance, but accuracy does decline with the amount of time a person wields the cane, so a heavier cane may exacerbate this fatigue.
Lifestyles of Adolescents with Visual Impairments: An Ethnographic Analysis
Authors: Sacks S.Z. , Wolffe K.E.
Published: June 2019

The first study of the Social Network Pilot Project provided quantitative data on the lifestyles of 32 adolescents with visual impairments and 16 who were sighted. This article reports on the second study, an in-depth ethnographic analysis of 3 of the visually impaired adolescents from the first study.
Situational Assessment of the Accommodation Needs of Employees who are Visually Impaired
Authors: Rumrill P.D. , Roessler R.T. , Battersby-Longden J.C. , Schuyler B.R.
Published: June 2019

In a study of the career maintenance needs of 35 employees with visual impairments (blindness or low vision) in Vermont and Massachusetts, barriers to job retention were assessed in four areas—accessibility of work sites, performance of essential functions, job mastery, and job satisfaction. This article presents the findings of the study and strategies for incorporating the survey that was used into a postemployment services framework.
The Use of Technology in Programs for Students with Visual Impairments in Florida
Authors: Edwards B.J. , Lewis S.
Published: June 2019

Teachers of students with visual impairments in Florida were surveyed to determine their use of various types of access technologies. Each category of device, with the exception of refreshable braille devices, was used by at least 25 percent of the teachers. The majority stated that they were not familiar with most of the devices listed and had difficulty acquiring the training needed to learn devices well enough to teach the students to use them. On the basis of these findings, recommendations for preservice and in-service training are suggested.
Braille Communication Skills: What Teachers Teach and Visually Impaired Adults Use
Authors: Allman C.B.
Published: June 2019

The study reported here investigated which braille-related communication skills 233 teachers of students with visual impairments taught and 531 adults who are visually impaired used. It found that the teachers taught the use of braillewriters, computers, audiocassette recorders, and typewriters but rarely taught the use of slates and styli and sighted readers’ services. The visually impaired adults used a variety of communication modes, primarily braillewriters, slates and styli, sighted readers’ services, and sighted writers’ services.
The Relationship between Social Networks and the Employment of Visually Impaired College Graduates
Authors: Roy Archie W. N. , Dimigen Gisela , Taylor Marcella
Published: June 2019

This study examined the relationship between the employment status of visually impaired college graduates in Great Britain and their social networks, both formal and informal. The unemployed graduates had less extensive support networks to help them find jobs; used contacts in less directive ways; and socialized in more structured, group-centered ways than did the employed graduates.
Deaf-Blindness and Communication: Practical Knowledge and Strategies
Authors: Engleman Melissa Darrow , Griffin Harold C. , Wheeler Linda
Published: June 2019

This article reviews interventions for helping children who are deaf-blind acquire and use communication skills. It focuses on children whose hearing and vision loss are so great that traditional methods of communication training are the least accessible to them.
Do Children with Visual Impairments Demonstrate Superior Short-term Memory, Memory Strategies, and Metamemory?
Authors: Wyver Shirley R. , Markham Roslyn
Published: June 2019

This study compared the memory processes underpinning the performance of 19 children with visual impairments and 19 sighted children on the Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales. No evidence was found to support earlier claims of the superior performance of children with visual impairments on any tasks of the subtest or of the children's greater awareness of memory processes.
Providing a Braille Refresher Course for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Allman Carol B. , Holbrook M. Cay
Published: June 2019

This article describes a braille refresher course for teachers that was created in response to concerns about braille literacy that have been reflected in “braille bills” in many states. Analysis of pre- and posttest data showed that the teachers improved their braille skills and reported a high level of confidence in their braille skills as a result of the course.
What Makes Neighborhood Associations Effective in Urban Governance? Evidence From Neighborhood Council Boards in Los Angeles
Authors: Li Hui , Wen Bo , Cooper Terry L.
Published: June 2019

This study examines the perceived effectiveness of neighborhood councils (NCs) in Los Angeles, a government-sanctioned and financed institutional innovation in urban governance. The study considers NC boards as a dynamic and open social system that interacts with NCs’ internal and external environment. We propose that three factors—internal capacity, external networking, and attention-action congruence—are related to perceived NC effectiveness. The findings from a questionnaire survey of 80 NCs show that NC leaders perceive their organizations to be moderately effective. While internal capacity contributes to all three dimensions of effectiveness, external networking enhances NCs’ effectiveness in solving community issues and advising about city policies. Attention-action congruence, which examines the correspondence between NC board members’ issue orientation and actual actions, is positively related to NCs’ effectiveness in advising about city policies. The study concludes with considerations for enhancing the effectiveness of neighborhood associations.
Primary splenic hydatidosis: a case report
Authors: Wang Qiang , Pang Ming-quan , Kang Ying-li , Wang Zhi-xin , Cairang Dongzhi , Wang Hu , Wang Hai-jiu , Fan Hai-ning
Published: June 2019

We herein report a case of primary splenic hydatidosis to provide data regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiological statistics of this disease. The patient was from a pastoral area and was diagnosed with primary splenic hydatidosis with chronic atrophic gastritis. The patient had no history of surgical treatment of hydatidosis. The diagnosis was mainly based on possible exposure to endemic areas, imaging findings, serological test results, and operative and pathological examination findings. Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed, and regular albendazole therapy was given after the operation. The patient was admitted to the hospital for gastrointestinal bleeding 3 months postoperatively, and she was successfully treated and discharged. No recurrence of hydatid foci has been observed since the follow-up.
Learner and educator experiences and priorities in paediatric airway education: A qualitative study
Authors: Weatherall Andrew D , Menezes Minal , Koh Su May , Lazarus Michelle D
Published: June 2019

Paediatric airway management is a challenging area of anaesthesia practice to learn. Techniques and skills required need modification from adult practice and gaining experience through exposure takes considerable time. Preparation to manage airway emergencies can be particularly difficult as these events are rare in paediatric practice. This study aimed to examine what educational approaches health professionals of varying backgrounds find useful when learning or teaching paediatric airway management. This qualitative study involved the conduct of five interdisciplinary focus groups; each group consisted of four to six health professionals from nursing, anaesthetic, simulation and critical care backgrounds. After transcription, focus group content was analysed using a qualitative method to identify common themes expressed within the interviews. Five themes were most prominent. These included the high value of hands-on learning, the challenges created by variability in exposure, the importance of developing basic airway skills, the potential for simulation to cover rare situations, and the problems of current airway models. These themes were evident in comments from both experienced and novice practitioners, clinicians with different subspecialty backgrounds and both medical and nursing staff. Learners and educators have similar priorities in airway education. This includes a strong recognition of the importance of spending time mastering basic airway techniques, a role for simulation in building non-technical skills and noted deficiencies in current airway models.
Constructing a Network Fundamental Diagram: Synthetic Origin–Destination Approach
Authors: Du Jianhe , Rakha Hesham A.
Published: June 2019

The network fundamental diagram (NFD) is increasingly used in traffic monitoring and control. One obstacle to a wider application of NFDs in network control is the difficulty of obtaining data from all vehicles traveling in the network to construct an accurate NFD. One solution is to estimate the NFD using data from only a fraction of vehicles (i.e., probe vehicles), where the probe vehicle market penetration rate (MPR) needs to be estimated. A previous study conducted by the authors demonstrated that a distance or time-weighted harmonic mean was needed to estimate the flow- and density-based MPRs, respectively, using a pairing k-mean clustering approach. This paper proposes another approach that utilizes probe vehicle and observed link volume data to estimate the MPR. A heuristic model is proposed to identify the optimum locations from which to collect link traffic volume data for use in the MPR estimation. The estimated MPR can then be used to construct the NFD. Results show that these models can accurately estimate the NFD with limited probe vehicle and link traffic volume data. Accordingly, the models can be used in the field to estimate the NFD using readily available loop detector and probe vehicle data. The ideal locations for traffic volume data collection can also be proactively chosen to generate optimum estimation results. As the models proposed here show no significant gains with an increased magnitude of collected data after a certain threshold, they will be helpful, particularly when large-scale data collection is not affordable or realistic.
Decreased Graft Thickness Is Associated With Subchondral Cyst Formation After Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in the Knee
Authors: Ackermann Jakob , Merkely Gergo , Shah Nehal , Gomoll Andreas H.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Subchondral changes, specifically cyst formation, are a known finding after osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to determine potential predictive associations between preoperative patient characteristics or OCA morphology and postoperative OCA appearance as assessed by the osteochondral allograft magnetic resonance imaging scoring system (OCAMRISS) at 6-month follow-up. It was hypothesized that preoperative patient factors or OCA morphology is associated with postoperative OCAMRISS scores.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This study evaluated 74 OCAs that were implanted in the femoral condyles of 63 patients for the treatment of symptomatic osteochondral defects in the knee. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was obtained at a mean ± SD follow-up of 5.5 ± 1.0 months. A musculoskeletal radiologist scored all grafts according to the OCAMRISS. Point biserial correlation, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher exact test, and chi-square test were used to distinguish associations between OCAMRISS subscales and age, sex, smoker status, body mass index, previous surgery, concomitant surgery, bone marrow augmentation, graft location, graft size, and bony graft thickness.

Results:

OCA bony thickness showed significant correlation with cystic changes at the graft-host junction ( P = .019). Grafts with cystic formation were significantly thinner than grafts without cystic changes ( P = .008). The odds ratio for grafts with <5-mm bony thickness demonstrating cystic changes was 4.9 (95% CI, 1.5-16.1; P = .009). Bony graft thickness was not associated with graft integration, but 40% of grafts with a bony thickness >9 mm presented with a residual osseous cleft, as opposed to 11.3% of thinner grafts ( P = .1). The augmentation with bone marrow aspirate did not affect osseous graft integration or subchondral cystic formation ( P = .375 and P = .458, respectively).

Conclusion:

Osteochondral allograft thickness is associated with subchondral cyst formation at short-term follow-up. Thin grafts demonstrate a substantially increased risk of developing subchondral cysts at the graft-host junction after OCA transplantation. Conversely, thicker grafts may negatively affect osseous graft integration. Hence, surgeons should be aware of the potential pitfalls of transplanting thin or thick grafts regarding cystic formation and delay of osseous integration after cartilage resurfacing.
How Do Fruit and Vegetable Markets Operate in Rural India? A Qualitative Study of the Impact of Supply and Demand on Nutrition Security
Authors: Kehoe Sarah H. , Dhurde Varsha , Bhaise Shilpa , Kale Rashmi , Kumaran Kalyanaraman , Gelli Aulo , Rengalakshmi R. , Sahariah Sirazul A. , Potdar Ramesh D. , Fall Caroline H. D.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Diets in rural India are cereal based with low intakes of micronutrient-rich foods. The value chains for nutrition approach aims to study supply and demand of such foods. This may aid in development of interventions to improve diets and livelihoods.

Objectives:

(1) To identify how fruit and vegetables are accessed, (2) to describe and map the structure of value chains for exemplar foods, (3) to understand how foods are priced, and (4) to explore factors that affect decisions about which crops are grown, marketed, and sold.

Methods:

After stakeholder consultation, we identified 2 fruits (mango and guava) and 2 vegetables (shepu and spinach) as exemplar foods. Criteria for these exemplar foods were that they should be known to participants and there should be variability in intakes. We held 24 interviews with value chain actors including farmers, wholesalers, and vendors of the exemplar foods. Data collection was stopped when no new information emerged. We used inductive thematic coding for our analysis.

Results:

The value chains for each of the exemplar foods were relatively simple and involved farmers, middlemen, and vendors at either city or village level. The main themes identified as being factors considered when making decisions about which foods to grow and sell were (1) farming resources and assets, (2) quality of produce, (3) environmental conditions, (4) financial factors, (5) transport availability, and (6) consumer demand.

Conclusions:

There are opportunities to intervene within fruit and vegetable value chains to increase availability, affordability, and access to produce in rural India. Future research is required to determine which interventions will be feasible, effective, and acceptable to the community and other stakeholders.
Degradable poly(ester-ether) urethanes of improved surface calcium deposition developed as novel biomaterials
Authors: Kucińska-Lipka Justyna , Lewandowska Alicja , Szarlej Paweł , Łapiński Marcin Stanisław , Gubańska Iga
Published: June 2019

Bones, which are considered as hard tissues, work as scaffold for human body. They provide physical support for muscles and protect intestinal organs. Percentage of hard tissues in human body depends on age, weight, and gender. Human skeleton consists of 206 connected bones. Therefore, it is natural that the hard-tissue damage such as fractures, osteoporosis, and congenital lack of bone may appear. The innovative way of bone healing is an application of so-called tissue scaffolds. There are many synthetic polymers used in this field, but polyurethanes play a great role in this field. It is due to the possibility to control their degradation rate and to tune their surface to improve the calcification process, required for proper bone regeneration. In this article, we described the fabrication of degradable poly(ester-ether)urethane materials, having different hard-segment content (28% or 47%). PEEURs-28HS and PEEURs-47HS materials were obtained by two-step polymerization method and characterized by mechanical properties, ability to undergo oxidative degradation and surface calcification. Performed studies indicated that the PEEURs-28HS material possessed suitable properties to be proposed as a material for possible application in the bone tissue engineering.
Valorization of waste rice husk by preparing nanocomposite with polyvinyl chloride and montmorillonite clay
Authors: Dutta Nipu , Maji Tarun Kumar
Published: June 2019

Naturally available waste biomass rice husk (RH) was modified and used to prepare nanocomposites with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and montmorillonite clay (MMT) in a green pathway of melt blending. Three different percentages of MMT were introduced into the RH/PVC composites and their effects on various properties of composite were examined. The interaction between PVC, RH, polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride, and MMT clay in the nanocomposite (RHPNC) was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal properties were studied using dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Universal testing machine and limiting oxygen index flammability tester were used to study the mechanical and flame retardency properties, respectively. The delamination of MMT layers and surface morphology of clay-incorporated nanocomposites were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Surface of 5 phr (parts per hundred) MMT-loaded composites appeared smoother than those of composites containing 2 or 5 phr MMT. RHPNC with 5 phr MMT showed an overall improvement in mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties. Composites containing 5 phr MMT showed a decrease in water uptake capacity compared to either 2 phr or 10 phr MMT-loaded composites.
Do Distractions During Web Survey Completion Affect Data Quality? Findings From a Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Wenz Alexander
Published: June 2019

Web survey respondents are frequently distracted during survey completion, which potentially affects the quality of data they provide. This article reports on results from a laboratory experiment examining how distractions during web survey completion influence data quality. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental groups using a 2 (device type) × 3 (form of distraction) between-subject factorial design. They were asked to complete a web questionnaire on either a PC or a tablet and were allocated to one of the three distraction conditions: (1) the presence of other people in the room who have a loud conversation, (2) the presence of music, or (3) no distraction. The study examines the effect of distraction on various measures of data quality and attentiveness. While participants felt significantly more distracted in the presence of other people or music, the study found no significant effect of distraction for any of the data quality and attentiveness measures. The findings are encouraging for survey practitioners: Even if web respondents listen to music or are in noisy environments, these forms of distraction generally do not seem to affect the quality of responses they provide.
Can contamination of the environment by dioxins cause craniofacial defects?
Authors: Leśków A , Nawrocka M , Łątkowska M , Tarnowska M , Galas N , Matejuk A , Całkosiński I
Published: June 2019

Cleft lip and cleft palate also known as orofacial cleft is a congenital malformation involving the partial or total lack of anatomical continuity of craniofacial tissue. The most common environmental factors that may cause orofacial clefts include pharmaceuticals, alcohol, addictive drugs, and tobacco smoke. Living in the area of industrial factories, garbage, ironworks, crematoria, wastewater treatment plants, and plastic waste landfills also has a significant impact on the development of the craniofacial defects. Some of the main factors causing the formation of congenital craniofacial defects are dioxins, of which emission to the environment is an important environmental and health problem. Dioxins are a diverse group of organic chemical compounds, derivatives of oxanthrene and fumarates, which are organoleptically imperceptible. Acting mainly through induction of inflammation, they influence a number of metabolic processes, including the process of bone mineralization and embryonic development. In this work, we highlight the problem of orofacial cleft including the impact of dioxin on development of this defect and the recommended prevention.
A New Destination of Online Travel Business: A Case Study
Authors: Mahapatra Durga Madhab , Patra Soumendra Kumar
Published: June 2019

Technology is the lifeblood of the online travel business. Over the last two years, mobile has proved to be the biggest game changer. The possibilities and scalability of business are faster with cloud. Further, the Indian online hotel industry was expected to be USD1.8 billion by 2016 which was USD0.8 billion in the year 2015. India is among the top five traffic sources for ‘trip advisor’ globally. These are early days for online booking in India. India’s biggest online travel firms are seeking to dominate hotel bookings as the industry ventures beyond low-margin airline ticketing. The companies like MakeMyTrip and Goibibo have been offering cheap flight tickets and travel packages. The digital revolution in India, driven by the roll-out of 4G, reducing costs, increasing smartphone penetration and increasing time spent on mobile phones will ensure that digital architecture will also grow at a faster clip compared to traditional media. Thus, the growth of digital advertising during 2017 (`82.02 billion), 2018 (`108.51 billion), 2019 (`143.54 billion) and 2020 (`189.86 billion) as per Dentsu Aegis Network. Online travel portal MakeMyTrip has formed a partnership with Flipkart to allow consumers to book domestic flights tickets and other travel services directly through the e-commerce firm’s portal.
Integrating Business and Medical Pedagogy to Accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Sibbald Shannon L. , Haggerty Nicole
Published: June 2019

A quality education is one that best fits the present and future needs of an individual within their current society. Case-based Learning (CBL) is inquiry-based learning which allows self-directed learning, logical reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making. CBL enhances knowledge, teamwork and problem-solving skills; it is used worldwide across various healthcare fields. It can tie theory to practice and go beyond traditional learning outcomes to induce deeper learning. The CBL method has been touted as superior in preparing future healthcare professionals. This preparation is a vital step in attaining the progress needed to achieve the 2017 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We believe the CBL approach will not only foster more competent learners, but also is a necessary and sufficient technique to meet the SDGs. We conclude that healthcare pedagogy should embrace CBL techniques in order to realize sustainable development and the healthy planetary goals.