bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
French trade unions and the mobilisation against the El Khomri law in 2016: a reconfiguration of strategies and alliances
Authors: Béroud Sophie
Published: April 2018

A number of French trade unions played a determining role in the opposition to the El Khomri law (also called the ‘loi Travail’) in Spring 2016. As well as large demonstrations and sector-level strikes, the movement also gave rise to the occupation of public spaces, such as the Place de la République in Paris. This new form of protest acquired the name ‘Nuit Debout’ (‘Up All Night’). This article examines the convergences, but also the tensions, which characterised the relations between the trade unions and Nuit Debout. It shows in particular how the Confédération générale du travail (CGT, General Confederation of Labour), a central actor in the protest, was caught in a dual and sometimes contradictory rationale. On the one hand, it was confronted with the particular dynamic of social movements, and with the capacity of trade unionism to mobilise and politicise the protest being called into question during the Nuit Debout movement. On the other hand, it faced certain constraints within the field of industrial relations, related to the issues of trade union competition and representativeness.
Farewell flexicurity? Danish flexicurity and the crisis
Authors: Bredgaard Thomas , Madsen Per Kongshøj
Published: April 2018

Before the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008, flexicurity topped the European labour market and social policy agenda. It was acclaimed for combining the flexibility of liberal labour markets with the security of social welfare states, thereby offering a viable formula for success in the new global economy. Nowhere was this better exemplified than in Denmark, with the Danish system repeatedly highlighted as a good example of flexicurity in action. In this article, we revisit the flexicurity concept, assessing how the Danish labour market came through the crisis. We argue that the economic crisis and especially political reforms of the unemployment insurance system have challenged the institutional complementarities of flexicurity, but that the Danish labour market is recovering and adapting to new challenges. The Danish case illustrates that institutional complementarities between flexibility and security are fragile and liable to disintegrate if the institutions providing flexicurity are not maintained and supported.
Volunteer Retention in Prosocial Venturing: The Role of Emotional Connectivity
Authors: Farny Steffen , Kibler Ewald , Hai Solange , Landoni Paolo
Published: April 2018

This study develops an understanding of the role of emotional connectivity for volunteer retention in prosocial business venturing. By embedding it in organizational ambivalence theory, our analysis of four volunteer-dependent community ventures reveals two mechanisms through which entrepreneurs strengthen volunteers’ emotional connectivity. We first identify emotion-focused practices that form volunteers’ emotional attachment to the venture, and then demonstrate how duality-focused practices, in the form of managing inherent organizational duality, complement emotion-focused practices to foster volunteers’ emotional loyalty to the venture. Theorizing from our findings, we introduce a model of managing volunteers’ emotional connectivity, and conclude by discussing its implications for prosocial venture research on volunteerism and affective commitment.
Validation of a New Device for Measuring Isolated Gastrocnemius Contracture and Evaluation of the Reliability of the Silfverskiöld Test
Authors: Molund Marius , Husebye Elisabeth Ellingsen , Nilsen Fredrik , Hellesnes Jan , Berdal Gøran , Hvaal Kjetil Harald
Published: April 2018

Background:

Important aspects on the diagnostics of isolated gastrocnemius contractures (IGCs) have been poorly described. This study was designed to validate a new ankle range of motion (ROM) measuring device for diagnosing an IGC. In addition, we wanted to investigate the reliability of the clinical Silfverskiöld test.

Methods:

Twelve health care personnel (24 feet) were examined by 4 testers on 3 different occasions for the reliability testing of the new ankle ROM measuring device. The same participants were examined using the Silfverskiöld test to examine the reliability of the clinical test. Eleven patients (15 feet) with IGC were examined before gastrocnemius recession, immediately after surgery, and 3 months after surgery to examine the validity and responsiveness of the ankle ROM device.

Results:

An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.85 was found for both inter- and intrarater reliability for the new ankle ROM device. The device confirmed an IGC in 13 of 15 feet before surgery and 3 of 13 feet at 3-month follow-up. At baseline, the measured ankle dorsiflexion was median 3 degrees with the knee in extension, which increased to 10 degrees ( P < .001) immediately after surgery and 12 degrees ( P = .003) at 3-month follow-up. ICC values of 0.230 to 0.791 were observed for the inter- and intrarater reliability testing of the clinical Silfverskiöld test.

Conclusion:

The new ankle ROM measuring device was reliable and responsive for detecting IGC. The Silfverskiöld test had poor inter- and intrarater reliability.

Level of evidence

Level II, prospective cohort study.
The Role of Organizational Affiliations in Physician Patient-Sharing Relationships
Authors: Geissler Kimberley H. , Lubin Benjamin , Ericson Keith M. Marzilli
Published: April 2018

Provider consolidation may enable improved care coordination, but raises concerns about lack of competition. Physician patient-sharing relationships play a key role in constructing patient care teams, but it is unknown how organization affiliations affect these. We use the Massachusetts All Payer Claims Database to examine whether patient-sharing relationships are associated with sharing a practice site, medical group, and/or physician contracting network. Physicians were 17 percentage points more likely to have a patient-sharing relationship if they shared a practice site and 4 percentage points more likely if they shared a medical group, as compared with sharing no affiliation. However, there was no detectable increased probability of a patient-sharing relationship within the same physician contracting network. Our finding that physician patient-sharing relationships are concentrated within organizational boundaries at practice site and medical group levels helps illuminate referral incentives and provide insight into the role of organizational affiliations in patient care team construction.
To Fidget or Not to Fidget, That Is the Question: A Systematic Classroom Evaluation of Fidget Spinners Among Young Children With ADHD
Authors: Graziano Paulo A. , Garcia Alexis M. , Landis Taylor D.
Published: April 2018

Objective: To examine how fidget spinners affect children with ADHD’s gross motor activity and attentional functioning in class, both during the initial and final phase of an intensive evidence-based behavioral treatment. Method: Using an A-B-A-B design, 60 children ( Mage = 4.86 years, 83% Hispanic) diagnosed with ADHD participated in the study. Following a baseline period, four random children from each classroom were given fidget spinners across three separate days ( n = 48). Children wore accelerometers and were videotaped for 5-min during class in which attentional data were coded. Results: During the initial phase of treatment (but not during the final phase), the use of fidget spinners was associated with a decrease in activity levels. Children’s use of fidget spinners was associated with poorer attention across both phases of treatment. Conclusion: Fidget spinners negatively influence young children with ADHD’s attentional functioning, even in the context of an evidence-based classroom intervention.
Opiate-Free Tricuspid Valve Replacement: Case Report
Authors: Cardinale Jeffrey P. , Gilly George
Published: April 2018

The utility of opioid pain medications for perioperative analgesia is well described. However, opioids have many dangerous side effects including respiratory depression, acute tolerance, hyperalgesia, and chronic opioid dependence. Multimodal approaches continue to be used in more invasive and complex surgical procedures for enhanced recovery and decreased postoperative complications from opioid administration. The current case report centers on a 30-year-old male recovering from opioid addiction presenting with severe tricuspid regurgitation scheduled to undergo a tricuspid valve replacement. The patient requested an opioid-free procedure, and a multimodal plan was developed for intraoperative and postprocedure management. This case represents a completely opioid-free valve replacement surgery and recovery.
Macular telangiectasia type II with pachychoroid spectrum of macular disorders
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Kumar Pradeep , Ravani Raghav , Gupta Prasad
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

To report the cases with features of macular telangiectasia type II and pachychoroid spectrum of macular disorders simultaneously.

Methods:

It is a retrospective case series from a tertiary eye care center. Multimodal imaging features of these eyes including color fundus photographs, red free imaging, short-wave autofluorescence, fundus fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography were studied.

Results:

Six eyes of three patients having combination of macular telangiectasia type II and pachychoroid group of disorders were found. Three eyes showed features of central serous chorioretinopathy, one eye had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, one eye had pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy and one had thickened choroid.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of macular telangiectasia type II in association with the pachychoroid spectrum of macular disorders and provides insight into possible common etiopathogenetic mechanisms.
Associations of Grip Strength and Change in Grip Strength With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in a European Older Population
Authors: Prasitsiriphon Orawan , Pothisiri Wiraporn
Published: April 2018

Objective:

(1) To examine the associations between 3 measures of grip strength: static grip strength, change in grip strength, and the combination of grip strength and its change, with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and (2) to determine which measure is the most powerful predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among the European older population.

Method:

Data come from the first 4 waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). A Cox proportional hazard model and a competing risk regression model were used to assess the associations. To determine the best predictor, Akaike information criterion was applied.

Results:

Grip strength and the combination of grip strength and its change were associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Change in grip strength was correlated with only all-cause mortality. Among the 3 measures, the static measure of grip strength was the best predictor of cardiovascular mortality whereas the combined measure is that of all-cause mortality.

Discussion:

Grip strength is a significant indicator of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The combination of grip strength and its change can be used to increase the accuracy for prediction of all-cause mortality among older persons.
Trends of Gallbladder Cancer in Jordan Over 2 Decades: Where Are We?
Authors: Al Manasra Abdel Rahman , Bani Hani Mohammed , Qandeel Haitham , Al Asmar Samer , Alqudah Mohammad , Al-Zoubi Nabil , Nadig Satish , Hamouri Shadi , Obeidat Khaled , Al-Muqaimi Nada
Published: April 2018

Background and Study Aims:

The prevalence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) varies between different parts of the world. This study is a review of literature and an update of a previously published study conducted in our university and aims to reassess the incidence of GBC over the past 2 decades.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study between 2002 and 2016. Data regarding demographics, clinical presentation, risk factors, histopathology, investigations, and treatments were obtained. A diagnosis of GBC established during surgery or primarily detected in the surgical specimen was classified as incidental.

Results:

Of 11 391 cholecystectomies performed, 31 cases (0.27%) of GBC were found. The mean age of patients with GBC was 68 years (43-103 years), 74% were women. The annual incidence of GBC was 0.2/100 000 (men: 0.1/100 000; women: 0.3/100 000). Biliary colic and acute cholecystitis were the main presentations. Diagnosis of GBC was “incidental” in 67% of cases. About 75% of patients with GBC had gallstones, 13% had polyps, and 3% had porcelain gallbladder. Adenocarcinoma was the dominant (87%) histologic type.

Conclusions:

The GBC rate in our region, similar to others parts of the world, is still low and has not changed over the past 2 decades. This study consolidates the previously published recommendations regarding the high index of suspicion of GBC in elderly with cholelithiasis.
Do marketing and alcohol treatment/public health experts think televised alcohol advertisements abide by regulatory guidelines?
Authors: Lloyd Kelly , Cameron Elaine , Williams Hannah , Banister Emma , Donmall Michael , Higgins Alan , French David P
Published: April 2018

Televised alcohol advertisements in the United Kingdom must abide by the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice Code, which provides guidelines concerning advertisements not implying, condoning or encouraging immoderate, irresponsible or antisocial drinking. Previously, 75 per cent of 373 general public respondents were shown one of seven advertisements rated a breach of at least one guideline. This study assessed whether experts in marketing ( n = 25) and alcohol treatment/public health ( n = 25) perceived the same seven television alcohol advertisements as complying with the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice Code. Overall, 83 per cent of advertisements were rated as breaching at least one guideline. This provides further proof that self-regulatory alcohol guidelines are not fit for purpose.
Divergence in heritage Ambon Malay in the Netherlands: The role of social-psychological factors
Authors: Moro Francesca R
Published: April 2018

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

This article examines the role of social-psychological factors in the development of heritage Ambon Malay in the Netherlands. More specifically, it aims to answer this question: Can social-psychological factors account for the different frequency of Dutch-like structures among heritage speakers?

Design/Methodology/Approach:

Data from 32 Ambon Malay heritage speakers and 27 Ambon Malay homeland speakers were collected by means of video stimuli and a sociolinguistic interview.

Data and Analysis:

The database provides six linguistic variables and three social-psychological factors. The linguistic variables are as follows: the pre-verbal marker ada; the definite marker = nya; the double object construction; the prepositional phrase and adjectival phrase in resultative constructions; the pre-nominal order for the demonstrative itu and the numeral satu ‘one’. The social-psychological factors are where the speaker lives, onset of Dutch bilingualism and attitude. The effect of the social-psychological factors on the linguistic variables was assessed using a multivariate general linear model.

Findings/Conclusions:

The results show that place where the speaker lives is the best predictor. Heritage speakers living outside a Moluccan ward have a higher rate of Dutch-like features than speakers living inside a Moluccan ward. In some cases, sequential bilinguals are more innovative than simultaneous bilinguals. Finally, speakers with only a mild positive attitude towards the heritage language have a higher rate of Dutch-like features.

Originality:

Unlike previous studies, this article does not test the role of social-psychological factors against self-ratings of heritage language proficiency, but it uses real language data.

Significance/Implications:

The theoretical significance of this study is to bridge the gap between the sphere of language structure and the sphere of language use and language attitude. An additional value lies in its findings that frequent use of the heritage language means not only a higher rate of maintenance but also accelerated change.
Invisible networked publics and hidden contention: Youth activism and social media tactics under repression
Authors: Lee Ashley
Published: April 2018

Social media create new channels for young people to engage with civic and political issues outside the confines of traditional public institutions. While social media present new opportunities for youth who were previously excluded from formal channels of political participation, increasingly, these platforms also subject youth to surveillance, censorship, and other forms of repression. In this study, I examine digitally active, young civic actors in Cambodia, an authoritarian regime with a demographic youth bulge and rapidly increasing uptake of social media. Specifically, I focus on social media tactics employed by youth to navigate contentious politics and express dissent under state control and surveillance.

The findings show how young activists rely heavily on hidden tactics to exert influence on public issues using social media in highly contentious, high-risk political climates. This study offers insights into the dynamics of digitally mediated civic action and state power situated in broader social, cultural contexts.
Class, gender, and space: The case of affluent golf clubs in contemporary Mexico City
Authors: Ceron-Anaya Hugo
Published: April 2018

This article examines how class and gender hierarchies are reproduced through spatial dynamics among affluent golfers in contemporary Mexico City, using the concepts of collective visibility and invisibility. The analysis focuses on how class and gender principles make some sites and actions visible while reducing the perceptibility of other spaces and acts. To do so, the article addresses three questions: to what extent and in what ways are privileged social spaces, like golf clubs, exclusively organized by class principles? How do Mexican golfers understand the class and gender principles operating in golf clubs? And, how do multiple axes of differences inform space and spatial practices? The study is based on an ethnography of three up-scale golf clubs and 58 in-depth interviews with members of the golfing community, including club members, instructors, caddies, and golf journalists in Mexico City.
Assessing the direct economic value of cruise tourism in a port of call: The case of Funchal on the island of Madeira
Authors: Gouveia André XS , Eusébio Celeste
Published: April 2018

In recent years, the economic relevance of cruise tourism has increased considerably. However, there are still many doubts regarding the real economic value of this industry in a port of call. This paper presents a methodology to estimate the total expenditures carried out in a port of call. The port of Funchal on the island of Madeira was used as a case study, given the great relevance of the cruise tourism industry to this port of call. A combination of several methods, and of secondary and primary data, was used to assess the total expenses of the cruise passengers, crew members, and cruise lines. Results reveal that, although cruise tourism has an important role in the economic development of the island of Madeira nowadays, several strategies should be adopted to increase this relevance. Therefore, the paper ends with some implications for increasing the direct economic value generated by cruise tourism.
Logic hybridity within the International Baccalaureate: the case of a state school in Poland
Authors: Parish Karen
Published: April 2018

This article takes a ‘vertical’ comparative case study approach to the study of the human rights logic of the International Baccalaureate. It explores how the global human rights logic is experienced and adhered to by students taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in one state school in Poland. As part of a larger study the article uses the data scores from the Human Rights Competence Development Survey (Parish, 2018) as a measure of the level to which students adhere to the human rights logic of the International Baccalaureate. Semi-structured interviews with a small sample of students and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Coordinator were conducted to explore how those students experience the International Baccalaureate human rights logic in an attempt to understand why they have or have not developed high levels of adherence. The findings indicate that adherence to the human rights logic varies depending on factors both within and beyond the school learning community. What also becomes clear is that there is logic hybridity as the human-rights-promoting logic competes with the more pragmatic concerns of examination success and university ambitions.
Lone terrorists: A study of run-over attacks in Israel
Authors: Perry Simon , Hasisi Badi , Perry Gali
Published: April 2018

There is agreement amongst scholars regarding the lack of a unique profile for lone wolf actor terrorists. Therefore, this study focuses on the characteristics of the lone attack, which has rarely been studied. The study seeks to fill these gaps, examining the element of opportunity and situational conditions by focusing on the offence/attack rather than on the offender/attacker in cases of run-over terrorist attacks. In order to shed more light on this dangerous phenomenon of lone-actor terror in general, and lone run-over attacks more specifically, this study examines all 62 run-over attacks carried out in Israel between January 2000 and March 2016. Data for this study were obtained from confidential and open sources. The study’s findings reveal certain characteristics of lone run-over attacks regarding the ‘four pillars of opportunity’ (target, weapon, tools/training and facilitating conditions). These findings suggest that, in order to prevent run-over terrorist attacks or to minimize the damage, one should not concentrate primarily on identifying the profile of the potential attacker. Rather, effective counter-measures should identify the run-over attack elements of situational opportunities and introduce effective situational crime prevention measures that have been found to be effective in preventing non-terrorist crime.
Screening for Math in Early Grades: Is Reading Enough?
Authors: Kiss Allyson J. , Christ Theodore J.
Published: April 2018

Difficulties in reading and math are more likely to occur simultaneously than difficulties in either area alone; however, the research on that comorbidity is relatively sparse. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between early reading skills as predictors of math achievement. A group of 102 kindergarten and 65 first-grade students were assessed with curriculum-based measures of early reading and early math, and a measure of broad math achievement. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that when early numeracy was controlled for, the measures of early reading did not explain unique variance in math achievement among students. Interestingly, screening with only measures of early reading skills yielded acceptable area under the curve (AUC) values but did not yield accurate identification of students at risk for math difficulties (MD) when misclassification and specificity were taken into account. Results suggest that early math measures are most accurate in identifying students at risk for MD in early grades. Findings provide further insight into the relation between math and reading skills at the start of formal schooling. Authors provide recommendations for a combination of reading and math screeners to predict broad math achievement.
Time-variable, event-based walking control for biped robots
Authors: Wahrmann Daniel , Wu Yizhe , Sygulla Felix , Hildebrandt Arne-Christoph , Wittmann Robert , Seiwald Philipp , Rixen Daniel
Published: April 2018

Most walking controllers for biped robots are based on a synchronized phase-based structure, where trajectories are executed following predefined timing constraints. This inherent fixed time dependency makes humanoid robots extremely susceptible to irregularities in terrain compared to their biological counterparts. We present an event-based control strategy which incorporates a time-variable phase to help deal with unexpected early and late contact situations. It results in an improved robustness against such scenarios, as shown by simulation results of our robot Lola.
20-year trends of characteristics and outcomes of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ntaios George , Sagris Dimitrios , Gioulekas Fotios , Galanis Petros , Pardali Christianna , Vemmou Anastasia , Koroboki Eleni , Papavasileiou Vasileios , Vassilopoulou Sofia , Manios Efstathios , Makaritsis Konstantinos , Spengos Konstantinos , Mitsikostas Dimos-Dimitrios , Milionis Haralambos , Vemmos Konstantinos
Published: April 2018

Background

The accurate knowledge of secular trends in prevalence, characteristics and outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation allows better projections into the future.

Aim

We aimed to report the overall, age- and sex-specific secular trends of characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and atrial fibrillation between 1993 and 2012 in the Athens Stroke Registry.

Methods

We used Joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the average annual percent changes and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Among 3314 stroke patients, 1044 (31.5%) had atrial fibrillation. Between 1993 and 2012, there was an average annual reduction of 0.8% (95% CI: −1.5%; 0.0%) in the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients among all AIS patients, whereas the proportion of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients among all atrial fibrillation patients increased annually by an average of 7.1% (95% CI: 5.4%;8.9%). Among all atrial fibrillation patients, there was an average annual reduction of 2.9% (95% CI: −2.7; −3.2%) in the proportion of previously known atrial fibrillation patients, followed by an annual average reduction of 2.4% (95% CI: −1.2; −3.6%) in the proportion of previously known atrial fibrillation patients not receiving any antithrombotic treatment at admission. During that period, there was an increase in the average annual proportion of previously known atrial fibrillation patients treated with anticoagulants (6.4%, 95% CI: 1.2;11.9%) and aspirin (2.3%, 95% CI: −0.4;5.0%) at admission; an average annual increase in the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients who were prescribed anticoagulant was apparent both for patients with mRS<4 (3.5%) and mRS: 4–5 (7.2%), while the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients who were prescribed aspirin or no antithrombotic at discharge was annually reduced (5.8% for mRS<4; 1.6% for mRS: 4–5 and 7.1% for mRS<4;5.3% for mRS: 4–5 respectively). Stroke recurrences were annually reduced by an average of 5.8% (95% CI: −8.6; −3.0%), along with cardiovascular events (6.5%, 95% CI: −8.3; −4.7%) and deaths (7.9%, 95% CI: −9.2; −6.5%).

Conclusions

Between 1993 and 2012, the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients on proper antithrombotic treatment and the rate of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation increased significantly. Rates of stroke recurrence, cardiovascular events, and mortality reduced significantly.
Post-stroke social networks, depressive symptoms, and disability in Tanzania: A prospective study
Authors: Saadi Altaf , Okeng’o Kigocha , Biseko Maijo R , Shayo Agness F , Mmbando Theoflo N , Grundy Sara J , Xu Ai , Parker Robert A , Wibecan Leah , Iyer Geetha , Onesmo Peter M , Kapina Boniphace N , Regenhardt Robert W , Mateen Farrah J
Published: April 2018

Background

Evidence suggests that social networks improve functional recovery after stroke, but this work has not been extended to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Post-stroke depression interferes with functional outcome but is understudied in LMICs.

Aims

To determine the relationships between social networks, disability, and depressive symptoms in patients surviving 90-days post-stroke in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

Participants ≥ 18 years, admitted ≤ 14 days of stroke onset, were enrolled. Disability was measured using the modified Rankin Scale, social networks by the Berkman-Syme social network index, and depressive symptoms by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) by telephone interview at 90 days. A Kruskal-Wallis test or Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the associations between social networks, depressive symptoms, and disability.

Results

Of 176 participants, 43% (n = 75) died, with an additional 11% (n = 20) lost to follow-up by 90 days. Among 81 survivors, 94% (n = 76, 57% male, average age 54 years) had complete information on all scales (mean and median follow-up time of 101 and 88 days). Thirty percent (n = 23, 41.9%, 95% confidence interval 20.2) had at least mild depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5 points). Nearly two-thirds (n = 46, 61%) reported ≥ 3 close friends. A higher social network index score was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (p < 0.0001) and showed a trend towards significance with lower disability (p = 0.061). Higher depressive symptom burden was correlated with higher disability (r = 0.52, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Post-stroke social isolation is associated with more depressive symptoms in Tanzania. Understanding social networks and the associated mechanisms of recovery in stroke is especially relevant in the context of limited resources.
Level of agreement between medical record and ICD-10-AM coding of mental health, alcohol and drug conditions in trauma patients
Authors: Nguyen Tu Q , Simpson Pamela M , Braaf Sandra C , Cameron Peter A , Judson Rodney , Gabbe Belinda J
Published: April 2018

Background:

Despite the reliance on administrative data in epidemiological studies, there is little information on the completeness of co-morbidities in administrative data coded from medical records.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to quantify the agreement between the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) administrative coding of mental health, drug and alcohol co-morbidities and medical records in a severely injured patient population.

Method:

A random sample of patients ( n = 500) captured by the Victorian State Trauma Registry and definitively managed at the state’s adult major trauma services was selected for the study. Retrospective medical record review was conducted to collect data about documented co-morbidities. The agreement between ICD-10-AM data generated from routine hospital coding and medical record–based co-morbidities was determined using Cohen’s κ and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) statistics.

Results:

The percentage of agreement between the medical record and ICD-10-AM coding for mental health, drug and alcohol co-morbidities was 72.8%, and the PABAK showed moderate agreement (PABAK = 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37, 0.54). There was no difference in agreement between unintentional injury patients (PABAK = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.62) compared with intentional injury patients (PABAK = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.49), and no change in agreement for patients admitted before (PABAK = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.50) and after the introduction of mandatory co-morbidity coding (PABAK = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.54).

Conclusion:

Despite documentation in the medical record, a large proportion of mental health, drug and alcohol conditions were not coded in ICD-10-AM. Acknowledgement of these limitations is needed when using ICD-10-AM coded co-morbidities in research studies and health policy development.

Implications:

This work has implications for researchers of drug and alcohol abuse; mental health; accidents and injuries; workers' compensation; health workforce; health services; and policy decisions for healthcare, emergency services, insurance industry, national productivity and welfare costings reliant on those research outcomes.
Measuring economic growth using production possibility frontier under Harrod neutrality
Authors: Mert Merter
Published: April 2018

Economic growth occurs when an economy’s production at the full employment level increases. Increase in the production at the full employment level is shown by an outward shift of production possibility frontier (PPF). The aim of this study is to measure capacity growth of an economy by utilizing equation of the PPF. The present study takes into account a bowed-out (concave to the origin) PPF in order to measure economic growth. Thus, at first, concavity conditions are obtained. Besides, the study augments Cobb–Douglas production function by assuming the nature of technological progress as Harrod neutral. For this reason, concavity conditions are obtained assuming Harrod neutrality. The first result of the article documents that there are conditions in order to guarantee positive economic growth. The second result indicates that growth of productive capacity depends on (i) rate of growth of labour, (ii) rate of growth of level of technology (rate of growth of the labour productivity) and (iii) elasticity parameters, under specific conditions. Based on these results, our study formally proves that the long-term or natural or potential rate of growth is determined by rate of growth of effective labour.
Plasmonic nanospherical dimers for color pixels
Authors: Alrasheed Salma , Di Fabrizio Enzo
Published: April 2018

Display technologies are evolving more toward higher resolution and miniaturization. Plasmonic color pixels can offer solutions to realize such technologies due to their sharp resonances and selective scattering and absorption at particular wavelengths. Metal nanosphere dimers are capable of supporting plasmon resonances that can be tuned to span the entire visible spectrum. In this article, we demonstrate numerically bright color pixels that are highly polarized and broadly tuned using periodic arrays of metal nanosphere dimers on a glass substrate. We show that it is possible to obtain RGB pixels in the reflection mode. The longitudinal plasmon resonance of nanosphere dimers along the axis of the dimer is the main contributor to the color of the pixel, while far-field diffractive coupling further enhances and tunes the plasmon resonance. The computational method used is the finite-difference time-domain method. The advantages of this approach include simplicity of the design, bright coloration, and highly polarized function. In addition, we show that it is possible to obtain different colors by varying the angle of incidence, the periodicity, the size of the dimer, the gap, and the substrate thickness.
Three-dimensional Printing in Maxillofacial Surgery: Hype versus Reality
Authors: Aldaadaa Alaa , Owji Nazanin , Knowles Jonathan
Published: April 2018

Three-dimensional printing technology is getting more attention recently, especially in the craniofacial region. This is a review of literature enlightening the materials that have been used to date and the application of such technology within the scope of maxillofacial surgery.
The workings of the single member plurality electoral system in India and the need for reform
Authors: Diwakar Rekha
Published: April 2018

India uses the single member plurality system (SMPS) to elect members of the lower house of its national (federal) parliament and the state assemblies. The electoral system has remained stable despite its inherent disproportionality, India’s highly heterogeneous population and, more recently, a fragmented party system. Using a comprehensive data set covering all national and some state assembly elections during the period 1952–2017, this article evaluates how SMPS has performed in India in comparison to its expected benefits, and whether there is a case for reform of the electoral system. The article finds that SMPS neither provides effective representation nor is likely to lead to stable single party governments in India – a situation that could be termed ‘the worst of both worlds’. It also highlights that a combination of rational-choice behaviour on the part of key actors as well as historical and institutional reasons has ensured the continuation of SMPS in India. The article concludes that it is time for India to seriously consider reforming its electoral system.
Student Happiness, School Climate, and School Improvement Plans
Authors: Cleveland Richard E. , Sink Christopher A.
Published: April 2018

To align with a more holistic perspective of wellness, the authors advocate for the inclusion of student subjective well-being (SWB) or happiness ratings as part of school climate assessment within school improvement plans (SIPs). Relevant theory and research demonstrate the reciprocal relationship between student perceptions of school climate and their overall SWB. Within the context of school improvement planning/assessment and counselor program accountability, the authors provide recommendations for school counselors’ evidence-based practice.
Patient-Reported Outcomes and Patient-Reported Satisfaction After Surgical Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy
Authors: Andresen Andreas Kiilerich , Paulsen Rune Tendal , Busch Frederik , Isenberg-Jørgensen Alexander , Carreon Leah Y. , Andersen Mikkel Ø.
Published: April 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

It is estimated that 10 000 patients seek medical care due to cervical radiculopathy every year in Denmark. Although the natural course is usually favorable, around 20% undergo surgery for cervical degenerative disease every year in Denmark. We aim to evaluate the patient-reported results and satisfaction of anterior cervical decompression and fusion over a 5-year period from a single Danish center for spine surgery.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective study based on prospectively collected data from 318 consecutive patients treated with anterior cervical decompression and fusion over 1 to 3 levels. Data in the DaneSpine registry was collected pre- and postoperatively, and at 1 year after surgery. The outcome measures were Neck Disability Index (NDI), European Quality of Life 5D (EQ-5D), visual analogue score (VAS), and Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary (SF-36 PCS).

Results:

Of 318 cases enrolled, 272 (85.5%) had follow-up data available at a minimum 1-year postoperatively. The mean preoperative NDI was 40.0 and improved to 22.7. Mean EQ-5D was 0.50 and improved to 0.70, and mean VAS arm was 60.4 improved to 26.4. All improvements were statistically significant. A total of 74.3% were back to work 1 year after surgery. Achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in VAS neck and SF-36 PCS was strongly correlated to patient satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Patients who undergo anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can expect improvement in their pain and disability, with 74.3% of patients reporting a positive change in health status after surgery.
Postoperative Complications Associated With Spine Surgery in Patients Older Than 90 Years: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Imagama Shiro , Sato Koji , Kato Fumihiko , Kanemura Tokumi , Yoshihara Hisatake , Sakai Yoshihito , Shinjo Ryuichi , Hachiya Yudo , Osawa Yoshimitsu , Matsubara Yuji , Ando Kei , Nishida Yoshihiro , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: April 2018

Study Design:

A review of a prospective database.

Objectives:

Surgery for elderly patients is increasing yearly due to aging of society and the desire for higher quality of life. The goal of the study was to examine perioperative complications in spine surgery in such patients.

Methods:

A multicenter study of surgical details and perioperative complications was performed in 35 patients aged older than 90 years who underwent spinal surgery, based on a review of a prospective database. The frequency and severity of complications were assessed, and the effects of patient-specific and surgical factors were examined. Major complications were defined as those that were life threatening, required reoperation in the perioperative period or left a permanent injury. Ambulatory function before and after surgery was also analyzed.

Results:

Perioperative complications occurred in 19 of the 35 cases (54%), and included 11 cases of postoperative delirium, most of which occurred after cervical spine surgery. There were 8 major complications (23%), including cerebral infarction (n = 3), coronary heart disease (n = 3), pulmonary embolism (n = 1), and angina (n = 1). Preoperative motor deficit, operative time, estimated blood loss, and instrumented fusion were significantly associated with major complications. An improved postoperative ambulatory status occurred in 61% of cases, with no change in 33%, and worsening in 2 cases (6%).

Conclusions:

Timing of surgery before paralysis progression and reduced surgical invasiveness are important considerations in treatment of the very elderly. Improved outcomes can be obtained with better management of spine surgery for patients aged 90 years or older.
“I’m Not Spanish, I’m from Spain”: Spaniards’ Bifurcated Ethnicity and the Boundaries of Whiteness and Hispanic Panethnic Identity
Authors: Soto-Márquez José G.
Published: April 2018

This study counters potentially premature demographic and sociological claims of a large-scale Hispanic transition into mainstream whiteness. Via in-depth interviews and ethnographic observations of recently arrived Spanish immigrants in the United States, it presents a distinctive shift in American categorization logic, whereby race and ethnicity switch in order of everyday importance. Despite Spanish immigrants’ direct links to Europe and few structural social boundaries between them and mainstream U.S. whites, their everyday experience is of a largely “symbolic whiteness” that is subservient to the more consequential and essentialist Hispanic panethnic identity. Forced to maneuver this unique “bifurcated ethnicity,” Spaniards highlight a theoretically important deviation from the established ethnic options for European coethnics in the United States. Overall, Spaniards’ ethnoracial adaptations and their identity vary by institutional sites, by social settings, and along gender lines. Their ethnic bifurcation brings into question the overall logic and stability of the U.S. Hispanic/white boundaries.
Fabrication and characterization of chitosan/gelatin/thermoplastic polyurethane blend nanofibers
Authors: Samimi Gharaie Sadaf , Habibi Sima , Nazockdast Hosein
Published: April 2018

Polymer blending is a method to provide nanocomposite nanofibers with improved strength and minimal defects. Chitosan exhibits biocompatibility, biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing properties. A combination of gelatin and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends was explored as a means to improve the morphological deficiencies of chitosan nanofibers and facilitate its electrospinnability. The morphology of the electrospun chitosan, chitosan/gelatin, and chitosan/gelatin/TPU blend nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the miscibility and thermal behavior of the blends were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy/attenuated total reflectance (FTIR/ATR). The optimum results were achieved in blend with 3 wt% chitosan, 8 wt% gelatin, and 5 wt% TPU, which resulted nanofibers with a mean diameter of 100.6 nm ± 17.831 nm.
Patterns of care and outcomes in adolescent and young adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a population-based study
Authors: Muffly Lori , Alvarez Elysia , Lichtensztajn Daphne , Abrahão Renata , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Keegan Theresa
Published: April 2018

Key Points

Two-thirds of AYA ALL are treated in the adult cancer setting; one-quarter of AYAs in this setting receive front-line pediatric ALL therapy. Survival was superior for AYA ALL patients treated in pediatric cancer settings and in NCI-designated cancer centers.
Vitamin D status and its influence on outcomes following major burn injury and critical illness
Authors: Al-Tarrah Khaled , Hewison Martin , Moiemen Naiem , Lord Janet M.
Published: April 2018

Vitamin D deficiency is common among the general population. It is also observed in up to 76% of critically ill patients. Despite the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in critical illness, vitamin D is often overlooked by medical staff as the clinical implications and consequences of vitamin D deficiency in acute contexts remain to be fully understood. Vitamin D has a broad range of pleotropic effects on various processes and systems including the immune-inflammatory response. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), has been shown to promote a tolerogenic immune response limiting deleterious inflammatory effects, modulation of the innate immune system, and enhancement of anti-microbial peptides. Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in critically ill patients and has been related to extrinsic causes (i.e., limited sunlight exposure), magnitude of injury/illness, or the treatment started by medical doctors including fluid resuscitation. Low levels of vitamin D in critically ill patients have been associated with sepsis, organ failure, and mortality. Despite this, there are subpopulations of critical illness, such as burn patients, where the literature regarding vitamin D status and its influence on outcomes remain insufficient. Thermal injury results in damage to both burned and non-burned tissues, as well as induces an exaggerated and persistent immune-inflammatory and hypermetabolic response. In this review, we propose potential mechanisms in which burn injury affects the vitamin D status and summarizes current literature investigating the influence of vitamin D status on outcomes. In addition, we reviewed the literature and trials investigating vitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients and discuss the therapeutic potential of vitamin D supplementation in burn and critically ill patients. We also highlight current limitations of studies that have investigated vitamin D status and supplementation in critical illness. Thermal injury influences vitamin D status. More studies investigating vitamin D depletion in burn patients and its influence on prognosis, via standardized methodology, are required to reach definitive conclusions and influence clinical practice.
Temporal order of cancers and mental disorders in an adult population
Authors: Cawthorpe David , Kerba Marc , Narendran Aru , Ghuttora Harleen , Chartier Gabrielle , Sartorius Norman
Published: April 2018

Background

Population-based examination of comorbidity is an emerging field of study.

Aims

The purpose of the present population level study is to expand our understanding of how cancer and mental illness are temporally associated.

Method

A sample of 83 648 056 physician billing records for 664 838 (56% female) unique individuals over the age of 18 was stratified on ages 19–49 years and 50+ years, with temporal order of mental disorder and cancer forming the basis of comparison.

Results

Mental disorders preceded cancers for both genders within each age strata. The full range of cancers and mental disorders preceding or following each pivot ICD class are described in terms of frequency of diagnosis and duration in days, with specific examples illustrated.

Conclusions

The temporal comorbidity between specific cancers and mental disorders may be useful in screening or clinical planning and may represent indicators of disease mechanism that warrant further screening or investigation.

Declaration of interest

None.