bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the efficiency benefit of thermal barrier coatings for homogeneous charge compression ignition engines through application of a low-k oxide
Authors: Filipi Zoran , Hoffman Mark , O’Donnell Ryan , Powell Tommy , Jordan Eric , Kumar Rishi
Published: June 2020

Prior experiments reported by the authors have proven the hypothesis that achieving a dynamic temperature swing on the combustion chamber surface will lead to improved thermal and combustion efficiencies of the homogeneous charge compression ignition engine. A thin layer of yttria-stabilized zirconia, roughly 150 μm, was plasma sprayed on the piston top. It led to markedly advanced ignition and heat release in the gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition engine, accompanied with reduced unburnt hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions, improved combustion efficiency, and a higher thermal efficiency. A related computational study highlighted the critical role of coating thermal conductivity in achieving a desired dynamic response; hence, the second phase of experimental investigations focused on introducing structured porosity in the yttria-stabilized zirconia coating, as a means of reducing effective conductivity. Indeed, additional incremental improvements were observed, as well as limitations related to adverse effects of the surface roughness and the fuel interactions with the surface roughness and open pores. Erosion can also be a problem in a direct injection engine. Therefore, the third round of investigations focused on a material with a natively low conductivity (low-k), sprayed on the top of an Al piston in a relatively dense form, and in a way that yields a smooth surface. The objective was to capitalize on the low conductivity, while avoiding the pitfalls accompanying high-porosity formulations. The heat-storage capacity was limited by keeping the thickness relatively low. The results verify the paramount importance of thermal conductivity in the context of high “temperature swing” behavior and indicate a potential to improve the homogeneous charge compression ignition engine’s combustion efficiency roughly 1.5%, with the overall indicated efficiency improvement on the order of 5%, on a relative basis. In addition, the low-k oxide thermal barrier applied to the piston extended significantly the low-load homogeneous charge compression ignition operability limit.
Variable smoothing of optimal diesel engine calibration for improved performance and drivability during transient operation
Authors: Pandey Varun , van Dooren Stijn , Ritzmann Johannes , Pla Benjamín , Onder Christopher
Published: June 2020

The model-based method to define the optimal calibration maps for important diesel engine parameters may involve three major steps. First, the engine speed and load domain – in which the engine is operated – are identified. Then, a global engine model is created, which can be used for offline simulations to estimate engine performance. Finally, optimal calibration maps are obtained by formulating and solving an optimisation problem, with the goal of minimising fuel consumption while meeting constraints on pollutant emissions. This last step in the calibration process usually involves smoothing of the maps in order to improve drivability. This article presents a method to trade off map smoothness, brake-specific fuel consumption and nitrogen oxide emissions. After calculating the optimal but potentially non-smooth calibration maps, a variation-based smoothing method is employed to obtain different levels of smoothness by adapting a single tuning parameter. The method was experimentally validated on a heavy-duty diesel engine, and the non-road transient cycle was used as a case study. The error between the reference and actual engine torque was used as a metric for drivability, and the error was found to decrease with increasing map smoothness. After having obtained this trade-off for various fixed levels of smoothness, a time-varying smoothness calibration was generated and tested. Experimental results showed that, with a time-varying smoothness strategy, nitrogen oxide emissions could be reduced by 4%, while achieving the same drivability and fuel consumption as in the case of a fixed smoothing strategy.
(Wo)men on top? Postfeminist contradictions in young women’s sexual narratives
Authors: Rome Alexandra S. , Lambert Aliette
Published: June 2020

Feminized sexual consumption has gained increasing legitimacy in the marketplace. Despite calls for critical, feminist perspectives, extant research in marketing continues to prioritize its emancipatory implications. In this article, we draw on the cultural theory of “postfeminism” to critically analyze the sexual narratives of young women. Tightly bound with neoliberal ethics, a postfeminist orientation encourages women—purported to have achieved equality thanks to past feminist activism—to work on, invest in, and manage their sexual lives. This discourse manifests in women’s sexual and intimate experiences in two key ways: first, through their attempts to establish authority and control in their relationships, an endeavor thwarted by neoliberal and patriarchal logics; and second, through an implicit submissive sexual positioning that privileges masculine meanings of sexual pleasure. These findings suggest an inherent contradiction between participants’ understanding of themselves as free, able, and equal, and the constraining, subjugating experiences shaping their relationships and (sexual) lives. Our key contribution to feminist critique and theorizing is to illustrate how postfeminist discourses operate to mask and deny oppressive patriarchal discourses, which paradoxically increases their strength under the guise of female emancipation and consumer choice.
‘It was like more easier’: Rangatahi (Young People) and Their whānau (Family) Talk About Communication Assistance in the New Zealand Youth Justice System
Authors: Howard Kelly , McCann Clare , Dudley Margaret
Published: June 2020

This qualitative study gives voice to rangatahi (young people) and their whānau (families) (n = 10) who have experienced communication assistance in the New Zealand youth justice system. Communication assistance is a form of specialist support for witnesses and defendants who have been identified as having communication difficulties; and is modelled on the role of the intermediary in England and Wales. The findings overall suggest that communication assistance has a valuable and ongoing role to play in the NZ youth justice system, and may be one means of addressing the rights and needs of those with communication difficulties who offend.
Global citizenship education: A new ‘moral pedagogy’ for the 21st century?
Authors: Franch Sara
Published: June 2020

In the past two decades global citizenship education (GCE) has become established in national and international education policy. This article focuses on the emergence of GCE in the educational discourse of the Province of Trento in northern Italy and outlines how policymakers and teachers construct GCE as a pedagogical framework for schooling in the 21st century. Combining the perspectives that emerge from the scholarly literature with the findings of a qualitative study based on Constructivist and Informed Grounded Theory, the article proposes a typology of GCE ideal-types. The typology illustrates two ‘mainstream ideal-types’ of GCE (neo-liberal human capitalism and cosmopolitan humanism) and two ‘critical ideal-types’ (social-justice activism and critical counter practice). In the province studied, the dominant perspective is cosmopolitan humanism. GCE is essentially conceptualised as a ‘new moral pedagogy’ that reflects adherence and commitment to a universal moral structure based on humanistic cosmopolitan values. The author believes that critical GCE perspectives in line with social-justice activism and critical counter practice should find expression in both policies, curricula and practices. However, this is recognised as a challenge which could be partially addressed through teacher education and an alliance between academia and practice.
How do clinical psychologists make ethical decisions? A systematic review of empirical research
Authors: Grace Becky , Wainwright Tony , Solomons Wendy , Camden Jenna , Ellis-Caird Helen
Published: June 2020

Given the nature of the discipline, it might be assumed that clinical psychology is an ethical profession, within which effective ethical decision-making is integral. How then, does this ethical decision-making occur? This paper describes a systematic review of empirical research addressing this question. The paucity of evidence related to this question meant that the scope was broadened to include other professions who deliver talking therapies. This review could support reflective practice about what may be taken into account when making ethical decisions and highlight areas for future research. Using academic search databases, original research articles were identified from peer-reviewed journals. Articles using qualitative ( n = 3), quantitative ( n = 8) and mixed methods ( n = 2) were included. Two theoretical models of aspects of ethical decision-making were identified. Areas of agreement and debate are described in relation to factors linked to the professional, which impacted ethical decision-making. Factors relating to ethical dilemmas, which impacted ethical decision-making, are discussed. Articles were appraised by two independent raters, using quality assessment criteria, which suggested areas of methodological strengths and weaknesses. Comparison and synthesis of results revealed that the research did not generally pertain to current clinical practice of talking therapies or the particular socio-political context of the UK healthcare system. There was limited research into ethical decision-making amongst specific professions, including clinical psychology. Generalisability was limited due to methodological issues, indicating avenues for future research.
Fostering hope in the face of death
Authors: Kadlac Adam
Published: June 2020

I contend that hope can be of significant value to individuals even as they acknowledge that there is no cure for their affliction. In particular, I argue that it is good for such patients to hope for (i) a meaningful quality of life in their remaining days and (ii) a good death. If this thesis is on target, then there is an important place for clinicians to employ the language of hope with reference to ends other than a cure. I then conclude with a few schematic comments on how the clinical aims discussed here might figure in a broader understanding of hope as a virtue.
Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perceptions of Pre-Service Knowledge and Skill Training in Early Intervention
Authors: Caesar Lena G.
Published: June 2020

Two survey instruments were used to gather information from speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and university personnel (UP) regarding their perceptions of the adequacy of SLP training for providing early intervention (EI) services. In the SLP survey, respondents were asked to rate their perceptions of training adequacy in specific EI Knowledge and Skill Acquisition (KASA) areas. UP were also surveyed regarding their perceptions of the adequacy of their programs’ academic preparation in EI. Results from 189 SLPs employed in EI settings indicated that less than 50% agreed that their academic preparation in the majority of EI knowledge and skill areas was adequate. However, with the exception of service coordination and linguistic diversity, the majority of UP (90%–100%) perceived that their graduate programs provided students with adequate training for serving EI populations. Implications of respondents’ differing perspectives will be discussed.
Scrutinizing the U.S. Equality Act 2019: A Feminist Examination of Definitional Changes and Sociolegal Ramifications
Authors: Burt Callie H.
Published: June 2020

The U.S. Equality Act, which amends civil rights statutes to explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, passed the House in May 2019 with unanimous Democratic support. Adopting a feminist perspective, I scrutinize the act from a largely neglected position, one that supports both LGBTQ and sex-based rights. Although laudable in its aims, the Equality Act is objectionable in form. The Act extends non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ individuals not by creating new protected classes but by redefining sex to include gender identity and sexual orientation, which is not only terminologically imprecise but also creates a clash between sex-based and gender identity-based rights. By defining gender identity as something that exists to be protected “regardless of sex,” the act undermines sex-based provisions, replacing them with provisions based on gender self-identification. Recognizing confusion over terminology, I describe key terms (sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation) and consider various usages. I conclude by discussing ways the bill might be modified so as to protect LGBTQ people without undermining women’s (sex-based) rights.
Discipline and Commoditize: How U-Visas Exploit the Pain of Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Abbasi Ghazah
Published: June 2020

U-Visas are granted to immigrant survivors of gender-based crimes. I use critical discourse analysis to examine 100 U-visa cases. I present two arguments. First, U-Visa adjudication establishes a panoptics of pain that disciplines survivors. The panoptics of pain transforms immigrant suffering into objects of scientific knowledge. Second, U-Visas establish an economy of pain that commoditizes survivors’ suffering. The economy of pain establishes transactional exchanges between immigrants and state agencies while generating economic profits for carceral corporations. I conclude with microlevel policy reforms to make U-Visas less exploitative of petitioners, and macrolevel policy reforms to empower working-class immigrants and prevent gender-based violence.
A cost-utility analysis of open A1 pulley release for the treatment of trigger finger
Authors: Stirling Paul H. C. , Clement Nicholas D. , Jenkins Paul J. , Duckworth Andrew D. , McEachan Jane E.
Published: June 2020

The United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Care Excellence considers a procedure to be cost-effective if the cost per quality-adjusted life year gained falls below a threshold of £20,000–£30,000 (€22,600–33,900; US$24,600–$36,900). This study used cost per quality-adjusted life year methodology to determine the cost-utility ratio of A1 pulley release. Pre- and postoperative EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 Likert scores were collected prospectively over 6 years from 192 patients. The median pre- and postoperative indices derived from the EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 Likert scores were significantly different at 0.77 and 0.80. The mean life expectancy was 21 years. The mean number of quality-adjusted life years gained was 1 per patient. The mean cost-utility ratio per patient was £32,308 (€36,508; US$39,730) and £16,154 (€18,254; US$19,869) at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Provided the benefit of surgery was maintained over the remaining life expectancy, the cost-utility ratio decreased to £1537 (€1737; US$1891) per patient. A1 pulley release is cost-effective provided the benefit is maintained for 2 years. The procedure is also associated with a statistically significant improvement in quality of life.

Level of evidence: III
Theoretical Foundations of Social Media Power in Hospitality and Tourism: A Hierarchical Model
Authors: Mehraliyev Fuad , Choi Youngjoon , King Brian
Published: June 2020

There has been exponential growth in the power exercised by social media in hospitality and tourism. The power of social media platforms as stakeholders has been widely accepted by both academics and industry practitioners. However, to the best of the current authors’ knowledge, there has been no conceptualization of the power attributable to social media. On this basis, it is both timely and necessary to establish theoretical grounds that explain the concept of social media power and its application in hospitality and tourism. A hierarchical model that characterizes social media power is constructed in the present article by bringing together fundamental power discourses, media effect theories, and technology determinism. The authors identify definitions and sources of social media power at different levels of the power pyramid and present various technological mechanisms that trigger such sources. This conceptual study proposes theoretical foundations for future research and theory-building.
Chronic Odontogenic Rhinosinusitis: Optimization of Surgical Treatment Indications
Authors: Simuntis Regimantas , Kubilius Ričardas , Tušas Paulius , Leketas Marijus , Vaitkus Justinas , Vaitkus Saulius
Published: June 2020

Background

The treatment of chronic odontogenic and nonodontogenic rhinosinusitis is different. It requires the elimination of odontogenic cause and optimal sinus surgical treatment. To date, there are no clear indications when sinus surgical treatment is necessary.

Objective

Our aim was to define clear indication(s) for sinus surgical treatment in patients with chronic odontogenic rhinosinusitis after elimination of odontogenic cause.

Methods

A group of 96 patients with chronic odontogenic rhinosinusitis caused by apical periodontitis completed a Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire with incorporated additional symptom “malodor” before treatment. Moreover, they were distributed according to computed tomography (CT) radiological criteria such as degree of periapical pathology, anatomical ratio between maxillary lateral teeth and sinus floor, sinus mucosal thickening, and ostiomeatal complex condition. The elimination of odontogenic cause was performed by extracting causative tooth. Questionnaire was filled again 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. All data were analyzed to search the clear indications for sinus surgical treatment.

Results

Of 96 patients, 74 (77.1%) patients had full resolution of symptoms after dental cause was eliminated. For other 22 (22.9%) patients, symptoms persisted and sinus surgical treatment was indicated. In recovered group, mean SNOT-22 score was different between all periods of measuring, while within nonrecovered group, small differences were seen only when compared to before treatment. No statistically significant correlation between radiological criteria and rhinosinusitis healing after tooth extraction was found ( P > .05). Statistically significant correlation was found between the disappearance of malodor/SNOT-22 score reduction after elimination of dental cause and healing success ( P < .005).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that extraction of causative tooth is an effective treatment of chronic odontogenic rhinosinusitis caused by apical periodontitis. CT criteria are not valuable indicator for sinus surgery, but persistence of malodor after 2 weeks is the strongest indication for this type of treatment.
Struggling to-be or not-to-be a bilingual teacher: Identity formation in a Change Laboratory intervention
Authors: Chang Sharon , Martínez-Roldán Carmen , Torres-Guzmán María E
Published: June 2020

While the methodology of formative intervention research has long been established, the aspect of new instrumentality of Change Laboratory is fragmentally documented. Therefore, in this study, we modified two major Change Laboratory mediating tools used in bilingual student-teaching seminars, namely the disturbance diary and four-field model. These two empirically investigated Change Laboratory tools have mediated transformative agency within the collective movement toward identity formation as the Change Laboratory participants (bilingual preservice teachers) conveyed their dilemma of to-be or not-to-be a bilingual teacher. We provide evidence on the relationship between the bilingual preservice teachers’ identity formation and their participation in the Change Laboratory intervention. The analysis made salient the role of two new Change Laboratory mediating tools, the adapted disturbance diary and individually generated four-field models, for the bilingual preservice teachers’ collective transformation in bilingual teaching. It also crystallized the importance of deepening the bilingual preservice teachers’ analysis of multiple languages and pedagogy as understood in the new bilingual teaching model in the Change Laboratory intervention.
Redefining the Care Continuum to Create a Pipeline to Dementia Care for Minority Populations
Authors: Sadarangani Tina R. , Salcedo Vanessa , Chodosh Joshua , Kwon Simona , Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Yi Stella
Published: June 2020

Multiple studies show that racial and ethnic minorities with low socioeconomic status are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease–related dementias (AD/ADRD) in more advanced disease stages, receive fewer formal services, and have worse health outcomes. For primary care providers confronting this challenge, community-based organizations can be key partners in supporting earlier identification of AD/ADRD and earlier entry into treatment, especially for minority groups. The New York University Center for the Study of Asian American Health, set out to culturally adapt and translate The Kickstart-Assess-Evaluate-Refer (KAER) framework created by the Gerontological Society of America to support earlier detection of dementia in Asian American communities and assist in this community-clinical coordinated care. We found that CBOs play a vital role in dementia care, and are often the first point of contact for concerns around cognitive impairment in ethnically diverse communities. A major strength of these centers is that they provide culturally appropriate group education that focuses on whole group quality of life, rather than singling out any individual. They also offer holistic family-centered care and staff have a deep understanding of cultural and social issues that affect care, including family dynamics. For primary care providers confronting the challenge of delivering evidence-based dementia care in the context of the busy primary care settings, community-based organizations can be key partners in supporting earlier identification of AD/ADRD and earlier entry into treatment, especially for minority groups.
News Routines in the TV Sports Department: Shifting Expectations and Technology in an Increasingly Digital Landscape
Authors: Mirabito Timothy , Collett John , Pluchinsky Danielle
Published: June 2020

The sports departments in local television news stations across the United States are transforming with the shifting contemporary trends implemented industry wide. Some departments are contracting, others are moving their content to web-only, while others are simply trying to sustain themselves in modern ways. The purpose of this study was to examine how current local sports television journalists addressed the changing marketplace and what impact the procedural and technological changes had on the stories they delivered. Researchers conducted 30 semistructured interviews with current sports media practitioners who worked in newsrooms throughout the United States. The findings of this study rendered four themes, which cumulatively suggest local sports media practitioners are facing varied engagements with job satisfaction and productivity based on their adaptability with shifting expectations. The themes were underscored by the influence of a move to digital first as an industry standard, while specifically examining how social media influences behavior and engagement. The study concludes that, while there are pervasive traditional constraints on journalists, there are also more recent challenges that created complexities in the exchange of information.
Self-Triggering? An Exploration of Individuals Who Seek Reminders of Trauma
Authors: Bellet Benjamin W. , Jones Payton J. , McNally Richard J.
Published: June 2020

Trauma survivors who self-trigger, or seek reminders of their traumatic events, have been noted in the clinical literature but have not yet been the subject of a systematic empirical inquiry. This article presents the results of two exploratory studies of self-triggering. In Study 1 ( N = 545), we estimated the behavior’s clinical relevance among trauma survivors. In Study 2 ( N = 360), we examined descriptive characteristics of self-triggering as well as potential motivations for the behavior. We found that self-triggering is uniquely associated with more severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Self-triggering takes place via a wide variety of methods and can become compulsive for many individuals. Reasons endorsed for self-triggering comprised several broad motives, but the desire to make meaning of one’s trauma was most predictive of self-triggering frequency. Limitations, clinical implications, and directions for further research are discussed.
Parle Products: The Journey of Budget Brand Toward Premiumization
Authors: Shetty A. Shivakanth , Anand Kerena , A. N. Raghavendra
Published: June 2020

Parle Products has been one of the foremost pioneers of the biscuit and confectionery industry in India. Since its inception in 1929, Parle has been synonymous with quality, nutrition, taste, and affordability in India. Having more than 40 brands across different product categories in its portfolio, Parle Products has come a long way. Due to the enormous success of brand Parle-G, the mother brand Parle has been associated with values of affordability and quality. Parle has always been a strong player in the value segment and thus customers associate all brands of the company as being the affordable brand with quality. While the industry peers such as Britannia and Indian Tobacco Company (ITC) have positioned themselves as a champion of premium segments, Parle Products is still known as an affordable or budget brand among Indian masses. Considering the increasing demand for premium biscuits among the new generation of consumers, Parle Products has introduced the new division Parle Platina in 2017. But the transformation of “value” or “budget” brand into the luxury and premium brands is not easy, as the legacy of value brand among the masses is not easy to shake off. This becomes more difficult and challenging in a highly fragmented, competitive, and price-sensitive biscuit market like India. Another problem for the Parle Products is to hit the sweet spot between the mass market and the premium demographic which the brand is currently missing out in a highly fragmented and competitive Indian biscuit market.
Understanding Inequality: Mexican Americans’ Stratification Beliefs
Authors: Sue Christina A. , Lambert Nicole
Published: June 2020

How people understand ethnoracial inequality, or their stratification beliefs, is an important concern for social scientists. Stratification beliefs can be highly influential in the development of individuals’ political attitudes and support for social policies. Despite this, research on stratification beliefs is limited in a number of ways. First, whereas much attention has been given to Whites’, and to some degree Blacks’, stratification beliefs, the attitudes of those in the “racial middle” have been largely neglected, despite their growing demographic presence. Second, much of the literature on stratification beliefs has focused on whether individuals adopt cultural or structural explanations for ethnoracial inequality, with less understanding of how people use a combination of these explanations to interpret inequality. Finally, theoretical and empirical knowledge of stratification beliefs is based largely on survey data. In an attempt to address these gaps, this research draws on interview and supplemental survey data from 70 Mexican Americans to provide an in-depth exploration of their stratification beliefs. The authors pay particular attention to respondents’ use of mixed explanatory modes, illustrating how they draw on cultural and structural discourses to make sense of the world around them. Ultimately, the authors argue that scholars need to pay attention to the interconnections among ideology, everyday experiences, and identity to understand the complexities of stratification beliefs.
Multilevel Risk Factors for Hospital Readmission Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder in Selected US States: Role of Socioeconomic Characteristics of Patients and Their Community
Authors: Basu Jayasree
Published: June 2020

Research Objective:

Using a multilevel framework, the study examines the association of socioeconomic characteristics of the individual and the community with all-cause 30-day readmission risks for patients hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD).

Study Design:

The study uses hospital discharge data of adult (18+) patients in 5 US states for 2014 from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, linked to community and hospital characteristics using data from Health Resources and Services Administration and American Hospital Association, respectively. A multilevel logistic regression model is applied on data pooled over 5 states adjusting for patient, hospital, and community characteristics.

Principal Findings:

Higher primary care access, as measured by density of primary care providers, is associated with reduced readmission risks among patients with OUD. Medicare is associated with the highest readmission risk (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, P < .01) compared to private coverage, while Medicaid coverage is also associated with elevated risk (OR = 1.71, P < .01). Being self-pay or covered by other payers carried a similar risk to private coverage. Urban patients had higher readmission rates than rural patients.

Conclusions:

Patients’ risk of readmission following hospitalization for OUD varies according to availability of primary care providers, expected payer, and geographic location. Understanding which patients are most at risk may allow policy makers to design interventions to prevent readmissions and improve patient outcomes. Future studies may wish to focus on understanding when a decreased readmission rate represents better patient outcomes and when it represents difficulty accessing health care.
Regulatory Rollbacks and Deepening Social Inequalities
Authors: Wonders Nancy A. , Danner Mona J. E.
Published: June 2020

Regulatory rollbacks under the Trump administration are heightening social divides and deepening social inequalities. In this article, we examine key dynamics underlying this trend including the changing character of the nation-state, the growth of executive power, and the increased use of the “administrative presidency.” The administration’s choice to deregulate some areas, while increasing regulation in other spheres, reveals regulatory impulses as political, relational, and frequently contradictory tactics for exercising power. We explore a variety of ways that regulatory rollbacks under Trump are privileging wealthy corporations and elites, while rolling over the rights and social protections historically afforded many other groups. We also consider ways to bridge the deepening divides by creating coalitions, raising awareness, and revitalizing democracy in the United States.
In the Land of Corporate Impunity: Corporate Killing Law in the United States
Authors: Bittle Steven
Published: June 2020

Since the early 2000s, a number of Western capitalist states, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have enacted criminal laws aimed at holding corporations to account for negligently killing workers or members of the public. In the United States, however, the existing respondeat superior (vicarious liability) regime remains intact. Drawing insight from semistructured interviews with corporate lawyers, nongovernmental representatives, union/labor leaders, and academics, I argue the relative impunity for corporate killing in the United States has its roots in corporate power and related beliefs in law and economics scholarship. This article documents how corporate offending is downplayed through hegemonic ideals that corporations are inherently good and law-abiding and any “bad apples” can be dealt with through existing law and market forces. In this respect, the recent rollback of various social protections is not simply a result of Trump’s presidency but instead a product of the neoliberal political, economic, and moral order.
Nebulized Heparin for Adult Patients With Smoke Inhalation Injury: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Phelps Megan K. , Olson Logan M. , Patel Megan A. Van Berkel , Thompson Molly J. , Murphy Claire V.
Published: June 2020

Objective: To review the clinical effects of nebulized heparin and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in patients with smoke inhalation injury (IHI) and provide recommendations for use. Data Sources: A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases was completed from database inception through April 15, 2020, using terms: heparin, acetylcysteine, smoke inhalation injury, and burn injury. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All studies pertaining to efficacy and safety of nebulized heparin and/or NAC for IHI in adult patients were evaluated. Reference lists were reviewed for additional publications. Nonhuman studies, non-English, and case report publications were excluded. Data Synthesis: Eight studies were included. Four demonstrated positive outcomes, 3 demonstrated no benefit or possible harm, and 1 assessed safety. Supporting trials treated patients within 48 hours of injury with 10 000 units of nebulized heparin with NAC for 7 days or until extubation. Two trials with negative findings treated patients within 72 hours, or unspecified, with 5000 units of nebulized heparin with NAC for 7 days, while the third used 25 000 units within 36 hours but was grossly underpowered for analysis. Clinical findings include reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and improved lung function with possible increase risk of pneumonia and no evidence of increased bleeding risk. Conclusions: Nebulized heparin may improve oxygenation and reduce duration of mechanical ventilation in IHI. If nebulized heparin is used, 10 000 units every 4 hours alternating with NAC and albuterol at 4-hour intervals is recommended. Sterile technique should be emphasized. Monitoring for bronchospasm or new-onset pneumonia should be considered.
INSSEPT: An open-source relational database of seismic performance estimation to aid with early design of buildings
Authors: Zaker Esteghamati Mohsen , Lee Jeonghyun , Musetich Matthew , Flint Madeleine M
Published: June 2020

Performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) assessments are data-, effort-, and time-intensive, usually requiring a detailed structural model and limiting their integration with early design. Decades of research have produced an abundance of PBEE assessments for different structural systems and building taxonomies. The results of these PBEE studies can be assimilated to approximately represent the seismic design space for new structures and to identify possibly optimal systems with low effort. This article introduces an open-source relational database, Inventory of Seismic Structural Evaluations, Performance Functions and Taxonomies for Buildings (INSSEPT) that contains PBEE assessment of 222 buildings from literature and is freely available to the public in a natural hazard repository. INSSEPT is organized to provide a curated building taxonomy and PBEE data to readily serve as a resource for early design or PBEE-derived regional seismic risk analysis.
Fluorapophyllite-(NH4), NH4Ca4(Si8O20)F⋅8H2O, a new member of the apophyllite group from the Vechec quarry, eastern Slovakia
Authors: Števko Martin , Sejkora Jiří , Plášil Jakub , Dolníček Zdeněk , Škoda Radek
Published: June 2020

The new mineral fluorapophyllite-(NH4), ideally NH4Ca4(Si8O20)F⋅8H2O, was found at the Vechec andesite quarry located near Vechec village, Vranov nad Topľou Co., Prešov Region, Slovak Republic. It occurs in cavities of quartz–illite–saponite–tobelite xenolith embedded in pyroxene andesite. Fluorapophyllite-(NH4) is associated with calcite, tridymite, pyrite, chabazite-Ca and heulandite-Ca. It forms clusters, aggregates or crystalline crusts consisting of individual, well-developed crystals up to 4 mm in size, exhibiting the forms {110}, {101} and {001}. The mineral is colourless to light pink and translucent with white streak and vitreous to pearly lustre; it is non-fluorescent under ultraviolet radiation. The Mohs hardness is ~4½ to 5, tenacity is brittle, fracture is irregular, and there is perfect cleavage on {001}. The calculated density is 2.325 g cm–3. Fluorapophyllite-(NH4) is optically uniaxial (+) with ω = 1.5414(5) and ɛ = 1.5393(8) (λ = 589 nm). It is non-pleochroic. The empirical formula (based on 29 O + F apfu) is [(NH4)0.55K0.32Na0.07Ca0.06]Σ1.00(Ca4.01Mg0.02)Σ4.03Si7.97O20[F0.84(OH)0.16]Σ1.00⋅8H2O. Fluorapophyllite-(NH4) is tetragonal, space groupP4/mnc,a= 8.99336(9) Å,c= 15.7910(3) Å,V= 1277.18(3) Å3andZ= 2. The seven strongest X-ray powder diffraction lines are [dobsin Å,(I,%)(hkl)]: 7.897(32)(002), 7.812(13)(101), 4.547(14)(103), 3.946(100)(004), 2.985(39)(105), 2.4841(11)(215) and 1.5788(12)(00.10). The crystal structure of fluorapophyllite-(NH4), refined toR1= 0.0299 for 743 unique (I> 3σI) observed reflections, confirmed that the atomic arrangement is very similar to that of the other members of the apophyllite group. The new mineral is named according to the current nomenclature scheme for apophyllite-group minerals and is an NH4dominant analogue of fluorapophyllite-(K), fluorapophyllite-(Na) and fluorapophyllite-(Cs).
Granularity ofSERPINA1alleles by DNA sequencing in CanCOLD
Authors: Gupta Nisha , Gaudreault Nathalie , Thériault Sébastien , Li Pei Zhi , Henry Cyndi , Kirby Miranda , Maltais François , Tan Wan , Bourbeau Jean , Bossé Yohan ,   for the Canadian Respiratory Research Network and the CanCOLD study group
Published: June 2020

DNA sequencing of theSERPINA1gene to detect α1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) may provide a better appreciation of the individual and cumulative impact of genetic variants on AAT serum levels and COPD phenotypes.

AAT serum level and DNA sequencing of the coding regions ofSERPINA1were performed in 1359 participants of the Canadian Cohort Obstructive Lung Disease (CanCOLD) study. Clinical assessment for COPD included questionnaires, pulmonary function testing and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Phenotypes were tested for association withSERPINA1genotypes collated into four groups: normal (MM), mild (MS and MI), intermediate (heterozygote MZ, non-S/non-Z/non-I, compound IS, and homozygote SS) and severe (ZZ and SZ) deficiency. Smoking strata and MZ-only analyses were also performed.

34 genetic variants were identified including 25 missense mutations. Overall, 8.1% of alleles in this Canadian cohort were deficient and 15.5% of 1359 individuals were carriers of at least one deficient allele. Four AATD subjects were identified and had statistically lower diffusion capacity and greater CT-based emphysema. No COPD phenotypes were associated with mild and intermediate AATD in the overall cohort or stratified by smoking status. MZ heterozygotes had similar CT-based emphysema, but lowered diffusion capacity compared with normal and mild deficiency.

In this Canadian population-based cohort, comprehensive genetic testing for AATD reveals a variety of deficient alleles affecting 15.5% of subjects. COPD phenotype was demonstrated in severe deficiency and MZ heterozygotes. This study shows the feasibility of implementing a diagnostic test for AATD using DNA sequencing in a large cohort.
Catheter-induced urethral injury and tubularized urethral plate urethroplasty in such iatrogenic hypospadias
Authors: Bhat Ami Lal , Bhat M. , Khandelwal N. , Bhat A. , Singh T.
Published: June 2020

Background

Catheter-induced urethral erosion can involve meatus, glans and any extent of penile shaft. These injuries cause a lot of psychological, social and sexual trauma to the patient. Though the use of condom drainage system can render this spinal cord injury patient effectively dry, but can lead to penile or urethral complications. Many of these patients are kept on indwelling catheter. Long duration catheterization, poor catheter care in such paraplegic patients and other morbid patients may lead to urethral erosions. We conducted a prospective study of catheter-induced urethral injury from July 2014 to February 2016 in our tertiary care centre. The demographics, past history of illness, catheter material, and duration of catheterization, securing of catheter, local examination findings and associated comorbidities were recorded. Factors leading to urethral erosion were evaluated. And patients, who were fit and were willing for surgery, underwent tubularized urethral plate urethroplasty after 4–6-week supra-pubic diversion. The objective of the study was to evaluate factors of urethral erosion, and the results tubularized urethral plate urethroplasty in iatrogenic hypospadias.

Results

We had twelve patients of catheter associated urethral injury in the study period. Age of the patients varied from 34 to 95 years with a mean of 61.25 years. Duration of catheterization ranged from 6 to 24 months with a mean duration 10.9 months. Catheters used were silicon coated, not secured to abdomen and had comorbid condition of neurological or cardiac origin in all patients. Long duration of catheter, poor quality of catheter and poor catheter care such moribund with poor body resistance patients were the main causative factor for urethral erosion. Urethral injuries varied from erosion of distal 2 cm to entire ventral urethra till penoscrotal junction with or without penile torque. Six of these patients underwent tubularized urethral plate urethroplasty with good cosmetic and functional postoperative outcome.

Conclusion

Patients of spinal cord injury, patients with comorbid condition like diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease, poor catheter care and long duration catheterization are likely to have severe urethral injury. Extent of injury may vary from meatal erosion to erosion of entire ventral urethra till penoscrotal junction leading to iatrogenic hypospadias. These patients either may be put on clean intermittent catheterization or supra-pubic catheterization. Results of tubularized urethral plate urethroplasty in such iatrogenic hypospadias are very good.
The propofol-sparing effect of intravenous lidocaine in elderly patients undergoing colonoscopy: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled study
Authors: Chen Mengmeng , Lu Yi , Liu Haoran , Fu Qingxia , Li Jun , Wu Junzheng , Shangguan Wangning
Published: May 2020

Background

Propofol provides a prominent sedation effect in colonoscopy. However, anesthesia and sedation induced with propofol in the elderly might result in cardiopulmonary complications, especially when it is combined with opoids in the regimen. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the addition of intravenous lidocaine to propofol-based sedation could decrease the overall propofol requirement in elderly patients during colonoscopy while the procedural sedation satisfaction and the hemodynamic stability were not compromised.

Methods

Ninety-two patients undergoing colonoscopy were randomly enrolled into lidocaine+propofol (L + P) group or normal saline+propofol (NS + P) groups. Subjects received intravenous bolus of 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine followed by 4 mg kg− 1 h− 1 lidocaine continuous infusion in L + P group or equivalent volumes of normal saline for boluses and infusion in NS + P group. Anesthesia was induced with 2.5 μg sufentanil followed by injection of 1.2 mg kg− 1 propofol in all patients. A single supplemental bolus of 0.6 mg kg− 1 propofol was administered whenever MOAA/S score > 1 or had body movement during the colonoscopy. The recorded primary endpoints included: the total amount of propofol administered during entire procedure, the supplemental amount of propofol after induction, and the frequencies of boluses of supplemental propofol.

Results

A total of 79 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared with NS + P group, the total amounts of propofol (induction plus supplemental) were no significant differences in L + P group; however, the required supplemental propofol was less (69.9 ± 39.2 mg vs. 51.5 ± 38.6 mg) (P = 0.039); the average frequencies of boluses of supplemental propofol given after induction were lower (2.1 ± 1.1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.9) (P = 0.003); the calculated “unit propofol” infusion rate was lower (0.18 ± 0.05 vs. 0.14 ± 0.04 mg kg− 1 min− 1) (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The addition of intravenous lidocaine to propofol-based sedation resulted in a remarked reduction of supplemental propofol in the elderly during colonoscopy.

Trial registration

The present clinical trial was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn on 11th March 2019 (registration No. ChiCTR1900021818).
High incidence of surgical site infection may be related to suboptimal case selection for non-selective arterial embolization during resuscitation of patients with pelvic fractures: a retrospective study
Authors: Lai Chih-Yang , Tseng I-Chuan , Su Chun-Yi , Hsu Yung-Heng , Chou Ying-Chao , Chen Huan-Wu , Yu Yi-Hsun
Published: May 2020

Background

In most institutions, arterial embolization (AE) remains a standard procedure to achieve hemostasis during the resuscitation of patients with pelvic fractures. However, the actual benefits of AE are controversial. In this study, we aimed to explore AE-related outcomes following resuscitation at our center and to assess the predictive value of contrast extravasation (CE) during computed tomography (CT) for patients with hemodynamically unstable closed pelvic fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients who were treated for closed pelvic fractures at a single center between 2014 and 2017. Data regarding the AE and clinical parameters were analyzed to determine whether poor outcomes could be predicted.

Results

During the study period, 545 patients were treated for closed pelvic fractures, including 131 patients who underwent angiography and 129 patients who underwent AE. Nonselective bilateral internal iliac artery embolization (nBIIAE) was the major AE strategy (74%). Relative to the non-AE group, the AE group had higher values for injury severity score, shock at hospital arrival, and unstable fracture patterns. The AE group was also more likely to require osteosynthesis and develop surgical site infections (SSIs). Fourteen patients (10.9%) experienced late complications following the AE intervention, including 3 men who had impotence at the 12-month follow-up visit and 11 patients who developed SSIs after undergoing AE and osteosynthesis (incidence of SSI: 11/75 patients, 14.7%). Nine of the 11 patients who developed SSI after AE had undergone nBIIAE. The positive predictive value of CE during CT was 29.6%, with a negative predictive value of 91.3%. Relative to patients with identifiable CE, patients without identifiable CE during CT had a higher mortality rate (30.0% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Performing AE for pelvic fracture-related hemorrhage may not be best practice for patients with no CE detected during CT or for unstable patients who do not respond to resuscitation after exclusion of other sources of hemorrhage. Given the high incidence of SSI following nBIIAE, this procedure should be selected with care. Given their high mortality rate, patients without CE during imaging might be considered for other hemostasis procedures, such as preperitoneal pelvic packing.