bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrow-band frequency selective fabrics: simulation and experiment results
Authors: Guan Fuwang , Li Zhaole , Yang Zhuli , Zhang Chuyang , Qiu Yiping
Published: February 2019

In this paper, frequency selective fabrics (FSFs) with narrow-band transmission characteristics were proposed. The square-ring FSF was taken as an instance to illustrate the design principle. Based on the existing theoretical basis and by means of software simulation and optimization, the optimum structures with ideal narrow-band band-stop or band-pass characteristics were obtained. Then, the practical specimens were manufactured through a computer-based carving process and measured using the transmission method in an anechoic chamber. Two structural models were respectively simulated using two different algorithms and the results showed very small differences, primarily verifying the effectiveness of the design methods and reasonability of the model simplification. The measured and simulated transmission characteristics of square-ring FSFs were compared and showed a high consistency, which further verified the validation of the design method. The other two kinds of FSFs, namely Jerusalem-shaped and circle/ring hybrid FSFs, were designed and measured, which showed the narrow-band frequency selective characteristics were quite ideal. This indicates that the proposed design method using simulation software may be applied to many different structures and has directive sense in the related product design and development process.
Experiences of Arab heritage youth in US schools and impact on identity development
Authors: Najjar Khadeja , Naser Shereen C. , Clonan-Roy Katie
Published: February 2019

To fulfill the promise of inclusive school environments that support all students, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms by which discrimination and support occur in the school setting and how these mechanisms impact student development. The current study explored ways schools facilitate supportive or marginalizing experiences for first generation Arab heritage youth in the United States and investigated how these experiences impact acculturative experiences and identity negotiation for these students. Focus groups were conducted with 21 Arab American early college students and community dwellers. Qualitative analyses revealed three mechanisms by which the school setting uniquely impacts Arab heritage student's identity negotiation in high school: 1) peer and teacher discrimination; 2) school curriculum treatment of Arab history and culture; 3) and broader school structures that allow for student cultural expression. Implications and suggestions for School Psychologists are discussed.
Fast-track off-pump coronary artery bypass: single-center experience
Authors: Mangukia Chirantan , Kachhadia Mehul , Meswani Manish
Published: February 2019

Aim

The primary goal of the study was to perform retrospective analysis of fast-track coronary artery bypass grafting at our institute to identify risk factors for prolonged hospital stay. A secondary goal was to identify and compare survival statistics with those published in literature.

Method

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients enrolled in our fast-track coronary artery bypass protocol. There were 709 patients with a mean age of 58.85 ± 8.9 years; 572 were men. The mean EuroSCORE II was 2.02% ± 2.64%. Of these 709 patients, 538 (76%) met the requirements for discharge within 100 hours.

Results

Prolonged ventilation or reintubation, major pulmonary complications, gastrointestinal and neurological complications were the strongest predictors of fast-track failure. Persistent atrial fibrillation, postoperative transient renal impairment, requirement for noninvasive ventilation > 3 times, sternal wound infection, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, preoperative intraaortic balloon pump for chest pain or ST changes, preoperative severe left ventricular dysfunction, preoperative severe renal impairment, and peripheral arterial disease were also found to be significant risk factors for fast-track failure. Cumulative survival at 66 months of follow-up was 90.2% ± 0.02%.

Conclusion

The risk factors listed above were associated with fast-track failure. Smoking cessation helps to nullify the factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Intraoperative elective insertion of a balloon pump does not affect the fast-track protocol. Survival was comparable to that described in the literature.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a low-weight infant after cardiac surgery
Authors: Fuchigami Tai , Nagata Nobuhiro , Nishioka Masahiko , Akashige Toru , Fujiwara Naoki , Nakayashiro Mami
Published: February 2019

A neonate was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect and aortic coarctation. Bilateral pulmonary artery banding was performed at 9 days of age (weight 1472 g). Because of ductal shock, emergency extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated after surgery. Fine adjustment of the bilateral pulmonary artery banding sites using hemoclips was carried out to facilitate weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and staged delayed sternal closure was achieved. Arch repair, ventricular septal defect closure, and tricuspid annuloplasty were undertaken when the patient was 4-months old (weight 1.8 kg). She was discharged at 11 months of age (3.0 kg).
A large aneurysmal bone cyst of the rib
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Singh Rana Sandip , Rawat Sanjib , Gupta Kirti , Parikh Mayur
Published: February 2019

An aneurysmal bone cyst is a very rare benign tumor of the ribs. It mainly involves the long bones and vertebrae, and requires histopathological examination for definitive diagnosis. We present a case of large aneurysmal bone cyst of the left 6th rib in young adult male. The diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst should be kept in mind in young patients presenting with an expansile lytic lesion of the rib, because it has an excellent outcome after complete surgical resection.
The Socio-Technological Lives of Bitcoin
Authors: Hayes Adam
Published: February 2019

Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and blockchains have become buzzwords in the media and are attracting increasing academic interest, mainly from the fields of computer science and financial economics. In this essay, I argue that cryptocurrencies and blockchains are important objects of general social science research and thought, but not for their ‘moneyness’ per se. Through a historical sociology of the antecedents and discourse leading up to Bitcoin, I show that it was never meant to be ‘money’ in the economic sense, but rather a solution to a technical puzzle for preventing opportunistic actors from double-spending digital ‘coins,’ as well as a fervent ideology surrounding online privacy and infringement of individual rights in the digital age. Drawing from themes in science and technology studies, I suggest that Bitcoin and other ‘cryptoassets’ are properly socio-technological assemblages that constitute new and important objects of social inquiry that must be understood beyond the myopic context of crypto-money. I conclude by proposing three alternative ontologies for blockchains relevant to economic, political, and social life: as systems of accounting, as organizational forms, and as institutions in their own right.
Facebook Rules: Structures of Governance in Digital Capitalism and the Control of Generalized Social Capital
Authors: Schwarz Ori
Published: February 2019

The article explores Facebook governance – its mechanisms, motivations and sources of power – while identifying wider patterns and logics that apply to other internet corporations. I suggest that (1) when digital capitalism turns mundane human interactions into biopolitical production, corporations gain interest in governing these interactions to maximize profit, and make decisions on core political issues; (2) Facebook can effectively govern and discipline users since it remolds various field-specific forms of capital into a single form, generalized social capital, and since it can threaten to confiscate generalized social capital accumulated by users; (3) digital platforms do not simply epitomize a shift from discipline toward neoliberal decentralized governance. Instead, they engage in intensive legislation, administration of justice and punishment, and develop eclectic governing and legitimation apparatuses consisting of algorithms, proletarian judicial labor and quasi-constitutional governing documents.
Hand-Foot Coupling: An Advantage for Crossed Legs
Authors: Pearce Alice M. , Harvey Joshua S. , Smithson Hannah E. , White Rebekah C.
Published: February 2019

It is difficult to perform distinct, simultaneous motor actions with the ipsilateral hand and foot; for example, clockwise circles with the right hand and counter-clockwise circles with the right foot. By chance, we discovered that this hand-foot coupling task is easier when seated with legs crossed. We consider various explanations. First, that there are reduced demands on the contralateral hemisphere when the motor programme of the right foot is executed on the left side of the body. Second, that the legs-crossed scenario is easier because movements are symmetrical with respect to body midline. By considering related motor actions, we conclude that neither of these explanations provides a full account. Thus, we suggest a third explanation, which is that coupling effects are reduced by virtue of increased postural stability and reduced anticipatory postural adjustments.
Housing market financialization, neoliberalism and everyday retrenchment of social housing
Authors: Byrne Michael , Norris Michelle
Published: February 2019

Social housing policy in Ireland has evolved over several decades into a significantly marketized tenure which relies on, supports and expands the private housing market. In this paper we argue that it does so in ways that contribute to the financialization of housing by embedding housing in volatile financial market cycles. Although the majority of the literature on financialization, both in Ireland and internationally, has tended to focus on home ownership and mortgage markets, we argue that the retrenchment of social housing and the shift towards subsidized private rental accommodation have been key features of the process of financialization and of Ireland’s experience of boom and bust. The neoliberal turn in social housing policy, however, did not take shape in the form of either a coherent ideological project or a coherent suite of policy measures, but rather through the kind of piecemeal, ad hoc and typically ‘pragmatic’ processes identified by Kitchin et al. It is by examining the unfolding of these ad hoc processes that we identify both the neoliberalization of social housing policy and the interfaces between this process and that of financialization, particularly by highlighting how the former has enabled and facilitated the latter.
Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin blood adipokine levels in migraineurs: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Abbasi Milad , Noori-Zadeh Ali , Seidkhani-Nahal Ali , Kaffashian Mohammadreza , Bakhtiyari Salar , Panahi Sajjad
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Migraine comorbidity with obesity is not new and studies have focused on how adipose tissue-derived substances such as adipokines might be involved in the migraine pathophysiology. Quantification of the nature and magnitude of the association between each adipokine including leptin, adiponectin and resistin with migraine pathophysiology is the objective of the current study.

Methods

Using systematic reviews and meta-analyses and standardized mean difference as effect size, the levels of three adipokines, leptin, adiponectin and resistin, have been investigated in migraineur subjects in the case-control studies.

Results

Using random-effects models, the final analyses demonstrated the standardized mean differences of leptin, adiponectin and resistin as 0.534 (95% confidence interval, 0.169–0.898), 0.439 (95% confidence interval, 0.132–0.746) and 0.194 (95% confidence interval, −0.158–0.546), respectively. The p-value for test of significance for each pooled standardized mean difference was examined by the z-test and calculated as 0.004, 0.005 and 0.281 for leptin, adiponectin and resistin (clearly considered as statistically significant, significant and non-significant), respectively.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, the blood levels of leptin and adiponectin, but not resistin, of the migraineurs are associated with disease pathogenesis.
Community Profile of Primary Education in Madras Presidency in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries: Part I: 1825–85
Authors: Chowdhury Probal Roy
Published: February 2019

In this article, we trace in two parts the changing community profile of boys studying in primary schools in Madras Presidency during the nineteenth and the first half of the twentieth century. We first present a summary of the community profile of boys studying in the indigenous schools in the different linguistic regions of the Presidency as recorded in a detailed survey conducted by the Presidency government during 1822–25. We then discuss the growth of primary education in the Presidency under the new governmental education system during the period 1835–85. Our study is based on the annual Reports of the Department of Public Instruction (RDPI), which are available from the year 1855, the Census reports of 1871 and 1881, and the Report of the Education Commission of 1881. During 1883–90, the RDPI also give detailed district-level data that enables us to compile the community profile of boys studying in the primary schools in different linguistic regions of the Presidency for the year 1884–85 and compare it with the profile of boys studying in the indigenous schools in ca. 1825.
Nonlinear thermo-mechanical stability of multilayer-FG plates reinforced by orthogonal and oblique stiffeners according to FSDT
Authors: Nam Vu Hoai , Dong Dang Thuy , Phuong Nguyen Thi , Tuan Ho Duc
Published: February 2019

This paper presents an analytical approach to investigate the nonlinear stability of multilayer-functionally graded plates stiffened by orthogonal and/or oblique functionally graded stiffeners subjected to axial compression and/or thermal load. The equilibrium equation system is established by using the first-order shear deformation plate theory taking into account the plate–foundation interaction, geometrical nonlinearity in von Kármán sense and initial geometrical imperfection. An improved Lekhnitskii’s smeared stiffener technique is applied for oblique stiffeners with thermal terms and shear deformation of stiffeners. The governing equations are solved by Galerkin procedure to obtain the explicit expressions of buckling loads and postbuckling load–deflection curves. Results show the effects of material and geometrical properties, boundary conditions, elastic foundation parameters and initial imperfection on the buckling and postbuckling load-carrying capacity of plates.
The influences of magnetostrictive layers on active vibration control of laminated composite rotating cylindrical shells based on first-order shear deformation theory
Authors: Mohammadrezazadeh Shahin , Jafari Ali Asghar
Published: February 2019

In this paper for the first time, active vibration control of rotating laminated composite cylindrical shells embedded with magnetostrictive layers as actuators by means of first-order shear deformation theory is studied. Vibration equations of the rotating shell are extracted using Hamilton principle considering the effects of initial hoop tension, Coriolis, and centrifugal forces. The vibration differential equations are reduced to algebraic ones through Galerkin method. The validity of the study is proved by the comparison of some results with the literature results. Eventually, the influence of several parameters on damping characteristics and vibration responses are investigated in detail.
Development of a longitudinal–torsional ultrasonic vibration-aided drilling system for drilling carbon fiber-reinforced polymer materials
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Jiao Feng , Wang Dong , Niu Ying
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to explore the motion properties of longitudinal–torsional ultrasonic vibration-aided drilling, the feature of drilling dynamics, and an efficient path of implementing longitudinal–torsional component conversion. It also aimed to propose a spiral chute horn with high performance and low cost based on the propagation characteristics of ultrasonic waves. The finite element software ANSYS was used for modal analysis and the geometric parameters of helical flutes were achieved. The dynamics analysis of the longitudinal–torsional ultrasonic drilling system revealed that the ultrasonic vibration could improve the rigidity of the drill and that the components existed in longitudinal and torsional directions. Drilling the T300-12K/AG80 unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced polymer using the longitudinal–torsional ultrasonic drilling system revealed that the results of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were comparable. This drilling system could change the longitudinal–torsional ratio according to the geometrical parameters of the modal converter, improve the surface quality of the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer hole, and reduce the exit delamination.
Not only disease activity but also chronic hypertension and overweight are determinants of pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Normand G , Sens F , Puthet J , Jourde-Chiche N , Lemoine S , Chauveau D , Moranne O , Rémy P , Doret M , Daugas E , Juillard L ,   on behalf of the French Collaborative Group on Lupus Nephritis
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Pregnancies in women with lupus nephritis are at high-risk of complications, while scarcity of scientific knowledge on prognostic factors impedes a fair medical counseling. We aimed to identify determinants associated with maternal and fetal complications.

Materials

We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of pregnancies that lasted more than 22 weeks in 66 patients with pre-existing lupus nephritis between 2004 and 2013 in France. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify determinants for maternal complications, lupus renal flare and fetal prematurity or death.

Results

Eighty-four pregnancies were identified. A maternal complication occurred in 31 pregnancies (36.9%): mostly preeclampsia (17 pregnancies, 20.2%) and renal flares (12 pregnancies, 14.3%). Overall fetal survival was 94.0% (79/84). Maternal pregnancy complications were independently associated with prepregnancy body mass index >25 kg/m2 (OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.03–14.09) and immunological activity (positive anti-dsDNA antibodies or Farr assay lupus) (OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.33–18.43). Renal lupus flares were independently associated with maternal age (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.12–2.01) and prepregnancy immunological activity (OR 15.99, 95% CI 1.57–162.68) while a remission time >12 months had a protective effect (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.68). Three parameters were associated with a higher risk of fetal prematurity or death: a prepregnancy body mass index >25 kg/m2 (HR 3.58, 95% CI 1.45–8.83), hypertension (HR 8.97, 95% CI 3.32–24.25), and immunological activity (HR 3.34, 95% CI 1.30–8.63).

Conclusion

Maternal age, prepregnancy hypertension, body mass index >25 kg/m2 and lupus immunological activity may be considered as the main determinants for fetal and maternal complications. A remission time above 12 months for patients with lupus nephritis could be associated with a reduced risk of renal flare during pregnancy.
The life and legacy of William Keiller (1861–1931), anatomist, artist and curator
Authors: Summerly Paula , Macintyre Iain
Published: February 2019

After graduating in medicine from the Edinburgh Extramural School of Medicine, William Keiller trained in obstetrics and became anatomy lecturer at the Edinburgh College of Medicine for Women, where he successfully devised and developed an anatomical curriculum. In 1891, Keiller was appointed as the Professor of anatomy at the state medical department of the University of Texas, at the age of 30. He built up a nationally recognised anatomy department, museum and teaching curriculum informed by his experience in Edinburgh. Keiller left the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston a rich legacy, including anatomical specimens and drawings.
Numerical analysis of punch shear failure and stress characteristics of three-dimensional braided composite with different braiding angles
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Pan Zhijuan , Gu Bohong , Sun Baozhong
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a multi-scale finite element model to calculate the stress field and analyze the punch shear failure of three-dimensional braided composite at high strain rates. The multi-scale model was established based on real braided structure taking the surface and corner braiding yarns into consideration. Constitutive material modeling and failure criterions were introduced into the model. Three braiding angles of 25°, 35°, and 45° were applied to reveal the relations between failure states and braided structure. The results showed that the punch shear failure states and stress distribution were greatly dependent on the strain rates and braiding angles. Nonuniform stress propagation resulted in shear bands and different formation paths were observed on the composite with different braiding angles. The ultimate failure of braided composite was determined by comprehensive action of compressive and tensile stress. In addition, the progressive damage of typical braiding yarns in different conditions was obtained from the modeling simulation. The three-dimensional braided composites with different braiding angles showed unique failure morphology. It was closely determined by the complex braided structures.
Progressive damage analysis of adhesively bonded patch repaired carbon fibre–reinforced polymer specimen under compression involving cohesive zone model
Authors: Matta Seshadri , Kolanu Naresh Reddy , Chinthapenta Viswanath , Manjunatha C M , Ramji M
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the in-plane compression behaviour of open-hole carbon fibre composite specimens adhesively bonded with the external carbon fibre composite patches on the single- and double side are studied. Uniaxial compression tests are conducted on MTS machine using ASTM anti-buckling fixture. A 3D progressive damage model is developed to predict the damage initiation and failure in both unrepaired open cutout and repaired carbon fibre composite specimens under compressive load. Stress-based 3D-Hashin's failure criteria are used for predicting the fibre and matrix damage in carbon fibre composite. The cohesive zone model element is used for modelling the interlaminar delamination in carbon fibre composite specimen and also the adhesive layer between patch and specimen. Initial stiffness, damage initiation load and ultimate load of the specimen are obtained using progressive damage model based on finite element analysis, and they are compared against the experimental values. The load–deflection curve and the damage progression obtained from finite element analysis using progressive damage model is found to be in good coherence with the experimental predictions. In case of patch bonded carbon fibre composite specimens, failure mechanism starts with partial patch debonding followed by complete specimen failure.
Analysis of dynamic characteristics of a multi-stage gear transmission system
Authors: Li Wei , Sun Jingdong , Yu Jiapeng
Published: February 2019

The two-parallel shaft gear transmission system is the most widely used system among the multi-stage gear transmission systems. The dynamic characteristics analysis of the two-parallel shaft gear transmission system is of great significance for nonlinear behavior research and noise control of gear transmission systems. This paper establishes a dynamic model and equations for the two-parallel shaft gear transmission system. According to the solution to the dynamic equations, the effects are studied of parameters such as speed, damping, modulus, and precision on the dynamic characteristics of the system. The results provide the basis for reducing vibration and noise control in multi-stage gear transmission systems.
Evolution of the road bitumen/aggregate interface under traffic-induced polishing
Authors: Cerezo V , Ropert C , Hichri Y , Do M-T
Published: February 2019

Road skid resistance decreases under traffic and climate actions. For a surface made of bituminous concrete, the skid resistance evolution involves a removal of the bitumen layer and a polishing of the aggregates. Previous researches have been focused on polishing mechanisms and less is known about bitumen removal phase. This paper presents a laboratory study to better understand the behavior of the stone mastic asphalt under simulated actions of traffic. Due to its formulation, this bituminous concrete contains more bitumen than other materials used for road surfacing. Polishing tests are performed on circular cores using tWehner/Schulze machine, which simulates the traffic-induced polishing by means of rolling rubber cones and measures the tire friction by means of sliding rubber pads. Tests are stopped at predefined numbers of passes for friction measurements, 3D cartographies of surface texture and scanning electron microscopic observations of the cores' surface. Statistical tests are performed to identify relevant texture parameters to explain friction evolution. During bitumen removal phase (i.e. before 20,000 passes of polishing), Ssc (average curvature of peaks) and Sdq (average quadratic slope of asperities) are correlated with friction values. After 50,000 passes, volume parameter Vvc is more adapted due to the abrasion of asphalt mix surface. Then, scanning electron microscopic observations show that a layer composed by bitumen and particles (small aggregates and sand) is a third-body surrounding aggregates, which evolves in thickness and size of aggregates during polishing. The system composed of the aggregates, the bitumen–particles layer and the polishing cones can be assimilated to a tribosystem with a tribological circuit at the interface. The bitumen–particles layer acts as an internal flow, before leaving the contact area. The movement of the layer under the shear stress induced by the polishing cones explains the ejection of big aggregates and the heterogeneity of the layer around aggregates.
Electoral coordination and party system institutionalization
Authors: Lago Ignacio , Torcal Mariano
Published: February 2019

A new theoretical development for examining the institutionalization of party systems is proposed in this article. We build on electoral coordination theories to disaggregate volatility into the vote transfers that occur between or towards parties that are in equilibrium (which we call endogenous volatility) and those that are not (exogenous volatility). The former captures accountability, and the latter reflects the number of voters who are not acting in accordance with the existing equilibrium in the party system. Exogenous volatility measures the institutionalization of party systems. We also show that endogenous volatility depends on government performance, while exogenous volatility is a function of institutional openness. The empirical evidence comes from an original data set that includes 448 electoral cycles in lower-house elections in 66 countries between 1977 and 2011.
Emerging Afro-Parisian ‘chick-lit’ by Lauren Ekué and Léonora Miano
Authors: Gehrmann Susanne
Published: February 2019

This article examines the novels Icône urbaine (2005, Urban Icon) by French-Togolese writer Lauren Ekué and Blues pour Elise (2010, Blues for Elise) by French-Cameroonian/Afropean writer Léonora Miano, with regard to their contribution to chick-lit in a broad sense. With a focus on urban working women, their love lives and consumerism, these novels fulfil a number of criteria of mainstream chick-lit. At the same time, however, a serious concern for structural power relations is inscribed into these texts. Both novelists make ample use of intermedial writing such as structural borrowing from and references to music, TV formats and the fashion press. I will analyse these narrative strategies and address how far Ekué and Miano copy, rewrite and reinvent the Anglo-American chick-lit genre from the transnational perspective of the African Diaspora in France and considering the peculiarities of black Paris as a space.
‘In defence of chick-lit’: refashioning feminine subjectivities in Ugandan and South African contemporary women’s writing
Authors: Spencer Lynda Gichanda
Published: February 2019

Ugandan and South African contemporary women’s narratives reflect on the rapid pace of change in the social lives of women in two countries that are contending with the aftermath of conflict and violence. This article will interrogate how contemporary women writers such as Goretti Kyomuhendo ( Whispers from Vera), Zukiswa Wanner ( The Madams and Behind Every Successful Man) and Cynthia Jele ( Happiness is a Four-Letter Word) are embracing chick-lit as a form of writing, while simultaneously short-circuiting this genre to create an experimental form that allows them to reflect on the realities of women and engage with the contradictions, complexities and ambiguities of contemporary feminine subjectivities. Although chick-lit as a genre has been dismissed as trivial and frivolous, ostensibly because it deals with women’s experiences, this article argues that this particular form of chick-lit is more political and attempts to disrupt the original chick-lit by offering a critique of society. It articulates how women see themselves and their relationships with their parents, spouses and, most importantly, female friends; reflects on the challenges that modern women face in the work environment; interrogates women’s realities concerning love, marriage and motherhood; explores concepts of sexual desire and intimacy; and negotiates the dilemmas of a patriarchal society, while also confronting issues of class and race. These contemporary women writers are adopting this genre because it allows them to reflect on realities that are complex and uncertain, to transform gender relations, to redefine the roles of women and to construct new feminine subjectivities.
From participant observation to participant action(-to-be): Multi-sited ethnography of displacement in Cyprus
Authors: Akdeniz Nafia
Published: February 2019

The field–fieldworker encounter in the contemporary ethnographic circumstances creates moving fields where the archetypal Malinowskian conventions have been experienced as insufficient practices. Calls were made for theoretical reconfiguration of a fieldsite from bounded single site to a multi-sited one. This paper draws on a multi-sited ethnographic study conducted in an abandoned village, demonstrating how a fieldsite circumstantially oscillates from online to offline, factual to imaginary when attachment is still resilient and the desire to return is still alive. Its contribution to literature is twofold. Firstly, it demonstrates how to adjust the academic qualitative inquiry to ensure a move towards the desired social changes by cultivating the role of the ethnographer from participant observer to a participant in action in the era of ‘public-or-perish’. Secondly, it adds an important dimension to multi-sited ethnography: a new ‘future’ site, a new stroke to George E. Marcus’s ‘spatial canvas’ in the process of place-making.
Consent by residence: A defense
Authors: Puryear Stephen
Published: February 2019

The traditional view according to which we adults tacitly consent to a state’s lawful actions just by living within its borders—the residence theory—is now widely rejected by political philosophers. According to the critics, this theory fails because consent must be (i) intentional, (ii) informed, and (iii) voluntary, whereas one’s continued residence within a state is typically none of these things. Few people intend to remain within the state in which they find themselves, and few realize that by remaining they are consenting to the state’s lawful actions. Moreover, the various obstacles standing in the way of us leaving the state render our remaining involuntary. Thus, the critics conclude, few if any people can be considered to have consented through their residence. I argue that these objections fail and that the residence theory remains a viable option, at least for those who are not committed incompatibilists.
Adult learners’ perceptions of self-directed learning and digital technology usage in continuing professional education: An update for the digital age
Authors: Curran Vernon , Gustafson Diana L , Simmons Karla , Lannon Heather , Wang Chenfang , Garmsiri Mahyar , Fleet Lisa , Wetsch Lyle
Published: February 2019

Mandatory continuing professional education is accepted across many professions as a re-credentialing mechanism to maintain professional competency. Self-directed learning is a widely recognized type of learning to meet mandatory continuing professional education requirements. The nature and characteristics of self-directed learning has been transformed with the growth in digital and mobile technologies, however there is minimal understanding of the role of these technologies in the self-directed learning habits of adult learners. This study sought to explore the perspectives of adult learners around the effect of digital and mobile technologies on continuing professional education activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 55 adult learners from four professional groups (9 physicians; 20 nurses; 4 pharmacists; 22 social workers). Key thematic categories included perceptions of self-directed learning, self-directed learning resources, key triggers, and barriers to undertaking self-directed learning. Digital and mobile technologies emerged as important resources supporting the self-directed learning of health and human services professionals. Increasing usage and dependency on these technologies has important implications for organizational and workplace policies that can support effective self-directed learning processes in a digital age. A conceptual model is introduced to characterize the key factors defining the self-directed learning patterns and practices of adult learners in a digital age.
Ruptured popliteal artery aneurysms
Authors: Akman James , Katsogridakis Emmanuel , Antoniou George A
Published: February 2019

Background

Rupture is a recognised complication of ruptured popliteal artery aneurysms that requires emergency intervention. There is little evidence collating the presentation, intervention and outcomes of ruptured popliteal artery aneurysms.

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to deduce the sequelae following different management modalities of ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of all available cases reports of ruptured popliteal artery aneurysms in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocol.

Results

We identified 48 cases taken from 35 case reports and series. Men were more commonly affected ( n = 96%), and mean age was 71 years. Acute limb ischemia was the commonest presentation (32%) whilst incidental deep vein thrombosis was found in 43% of patients. The mean aneurysm size was 8.2 cm (range, 2.7 to 13.3 cm). Management consisted of open surgery (58%), endovascular treatment (25%) and ‘other’ treatment (evacuation of haematoma, ligation of aneurysm, amputation or palliation) (17%). The perioperative mortality rate in the whole cohort was 13%. Perioperative mortality was similar between comparing the open and endovascular surgery groups. Re-intervention rate amongst endovascular patients was 25% over an average follow-up period of 14 months. There was one re-intervention in the re-constructive group (3%) over a follow-up period of 17 months and none in the ‘other’ group.

Conclusion

Popliteal artery aneurysm rupture is a serious complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Open surgical reconstruction and endovascular repair are both feasible for the treatment of ruptured popliteal artery aneurysms; however, open surgery is less likely to require further re-intervention.
Assessing basketball offensive structure: The role of concatenations in space creation dynamics
Authors: Santana Felipe , Fellingham Gilbert , Rangel Wellington , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Lamas Leonardo
Published: February 2019

The aims of the present study were to systematize a set of concatenated space creation dynamics in basketball and to use it to analyze teams’ offenses. Space creation dynamics concatenation concept was investigated and classes were defined. Modeling resulted in independent and dependent concatenations’ classes. Agreement was at least 0.85 for all space creation dynamics classes. Afterwards, space creation dynamics classes were applied to match analysis. Analytic procedures encompassed both the frequency and types of space creation dynamics in ball possessions. The four best teams on the 2013–2014 NBA season were evaluated. The Thunder had more ball possessions with a single space creation dynamics than expected, while the Spurs had longer sequences than expected with four or more dependent concatenations. Interestingly, the Heat and the Thunder had the highest number of dependent concatenated space creation dynamics two steps ahead of the outcome. Additionally, the Heat was the team with greatest diversity of space creation dynamics and the highest frequency of dependent concatenations one step before the outcome. Results indicated that the analytical framework efficiently discriminated teams’ strategies. The concatenation concept helped elucidating how teams approach defensive disruption, with more straight or progressive space creation and concatenated space creation dynamics performed one or two steps before the outcome.
Mindfulness and its relevance for sports coaches adopting nonlinear pedagogy
Authors: Kee Ying Hwa
Published: February 2019

Nonlinear pedagogy is an approach for structuring skills acquisition that is underpinned by dynamical systems theory and ecological psychology approach of appreciating motor behavior. Given that nonlinear pedagogy calls for a different set of coaching strategies that departs from the traditional prescriptive approach, a heightened level of mindfulness—underpinned by attention/awareness and acceptance (Bishop et al., Mindfulness: a proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice 2004; 11(3): 230–241)—on coaches’ part may be particularly pertinent for facilitating this creativity-based and learner-centered approach. In this paper, the relevance of the mindfulness construct is discussed with reference to the need for coaches implementing nonlinear pedagogy to (a) develop sensitivity towards the dynamics of the movement system, (b) be open about impending variability and creativity in learner’s behavior, and (c) be accepting towards learners for who they are. The case for how coaches with heightened mindfulness might be better apt to accomplish the above is put forth. Some suggestions for future work in this area are also suggested. In line with the complex systems perspective in skills acquisition, perhaps it is not too far-fetched to consider a coach’s level of mindfulness during the coaching session as an important control parameter within a larger movement system that has a role in determining learner’s success in skill acquisition.
In vivo bone regeneration by differently designed titanium membrane with or without surface treatment: a study in rat calvarial defects
Authors: Jang Yong-Seok , Moon So-Hee , Nguyen Thuy-Duong Thi , Lee Min-Ho , Oh Tae-Ju , Han A-Lum , Bae Tae-Sung
Published: February 2019

The current objective was to evaluate six groups of titanium membranes in a rat calvarial defect model, regarding the surface treatment with or without calcium-phosphate coating and surface topography with no, small, or large holes. Critical size defects (Ф = 8 mm, n = 42) were surgically created in rat calvaria, and then were treated by one of the six groups. Biopsies were obtained at 4 weeks (n = 5 per group) for micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analyses. Fluorochrome bone markers were injected in two rats each group at 1 (Alizarin red), 3 (Calcein green) and 5 weeks (Oxytetracyclin yellow), followed by histological examination at 7 weeks to assess bone regeneration dynamic. At 4 weeks, the highest bone volume was observed in no-hole groups independent of surface treatment ( p < 0.05). Treated groups with no-hole and large-hole membranes showed increased bone mineral density than with respective non-treated groups ( p < 0.05). Histology exhibited an intimate bone formation onto the treated membranes, whereas non-treated ones demonstrated interposition of connective tissue, which was confirmed through bone contact percentages. The results suggest that occlusive membranes showed more bone formation than other perforated ones, and calcium-phosphate treatment induces intimate bone formation toward the membrane.
CardioMems® device implantation reduces repeat hospitalizations in heart failure patients: A single center experience
Authors: Assaad Mahmoud , Sarsam Sinan , Naqvi Amir , Zughaib Marcel
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Hospital readmission for congestive heart failure remains one of the most important economic burdens on healthcare cost. The implantation of a wireless pressure monitoring device (CardioMEMS®) had led to nearly 40% reduction in readmission rates in the landmark CHAMPION trial. We aim to study the effectiveness of this wireless device in reducing heart failure admissions in a real-world setting.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of patients with recurrent admissions for heart failure implanted with the wireless pressure monitoring system (CardioMEMS®) at our institution. We studied the total number of all-cause hospital admissions as well as heart failure-related admissions pre- and post-implantation.

Results

A total of 27 patients were followed for 6–18 months. The total number of all-cause hospital admissions prior to device implantation was 61 admissions for all study patients, while the total number for the post-implantation period was 19, correlating with 2.26 + 1.06 admissions/person-year prior to device implantation versus 0.70 + 0.95 admissions/person-year post-implantation (p-value < 0.001). For heart failure-related admissions, the total number prior to device implantation was 46 compared to 9 admissions post device implantations, correlating with 1.70 + 1.07 admissions/person-years pre-implantation versus 0.33 + 0.62 admissions/person-years post-implantation (p-value < 0.001). This translates to 80.4% and 68.9% reduction in heart failure and all-cause admissions, respectively.

Conclusion

In a real-world setting, the implantation of a wireless heart failure monitoring system in patients with heart failure and class III symptoms has resulted in 80.4% reduction in heart failure admissions and 69% reduction in all-cause admissions.
Diagnostic accuracy of faecal calprotectin in patients with active perianal fistulas
Authors: Stevens Toer W , D'Haens Geert R , Duijvestein Marjolijn , Bemelman Willem A , Buskens Christianne J , Gecse Krisztina B
Published: February 2019

Background

Faecal calprotectin (FC) is a marker of mucosal inflammation.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FC to (a) differentiate between perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (pCD) and cryptoglandular perianal fistulas; and (b) detect mucosal inflammation in pCD.

Methods

Patients with active perianal fistulas who had FC measured and a complete ileocolonoscopy within 10 weeks were retrospectively included.

Results

Fifty‐six patients were included (pCD, n = 37) of whom 19 pCD patients exhibited ulcers. FC was significantly higher in pCD compared to cryptoglandular fistulas (µg/g) (708.0 (207.0–1705.0) vs 32.0 (23.0–77.0), p < 0.001). Area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) value for FC receiver operating characteristic (ROC) statistics was 0.900. Optimal FC cut‐off was ≥ 150 µg/g. To differentiate pCD from cryptoglandular fistulas in the absence of luminal inflammation, optimal cut‐off remained ≥ 150 µg/g (AUC = 0.857, sensitivity = 0.81, specificity = 0.89, positive predictive value (PPV) = 93.8% and negative predictive value (NPV) = 70.8%). In pCD, FC was significantly increased in the presence of ulcers (1672.0 vs 238.0, p = 0.004). Optimal cut‐off was ≥ 250 µg/g (AUC = 0.776; sensitivity = 0.89, specificity = 0.56, PPV ‐ 68.0% and NPV = 83.0%).

Conclusion

FC discriminates pCD from cryptoglandular fistulas, even in the absence of intestinal ulcers. In active pCD, an elevated FC does not accurately predict the presence of ulcers and should be interpreted with caution.
Comparison of the effect of hyaluronic acid and estrogen on atrophic vaginitis in menopausal women: A systematic review
Authors: Najjarzadeh Maryam , Mohammad Alizadeh Charandabi Sakineh , Mohammadi Marzyeh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: February 2019

This systematic review was conducted to compare the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid and estrogen on symptoms of atrophic vaginitis (primary outcomes) and corresponding side effects (secondary outcome). We reviewed all parallel clinical trials, systematically, to compare the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid and estrogen on atrophic vaginitis. We searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Sciences, Cochrane library, Scopus, Google Scholar, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (Iran) and Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, from inception to July 2018 and the reference lists of retrieved articles. Two reviewers used the Cochrane collaboration tool to assess the risk of bias independently. Five parallel controlled trials with 372 participants were included in the present systematic review. One trial reported estrogen superiority to hyaluronic acid in improving the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. Three trials failed to show a significant statistical difference between the intervention groups. Only a trial with a high risk of bias in random allocation and blinding indicated that hyaluronic acid was more effective than estrogen in improving the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis. Hyaluronic acid is an effective drug with few side effects for the treatment of atrophic vaginitis symptoms; however, better designed trials are required to show the statistical superiority of hyaluronic acid to vaginal estrogen.
NPOs’ Voice in CSR Partnership: An Exploratory Study Using Topic Modeling
Authors: Dong Chuqing , Zhang Yafei
Published: February 2019

The present study aims to identify and interpret the emerging strategies employed by nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in communicating with their business partners on Twitter. A computer-assisted content analysis was applied to analyze 5,661 tweets posted by 65 NPOs. The study identified three corporate social responsibility communication strategies, which were characterized by a distinctive emphasis on stakeholder engagement. We analyzed NPOs that targeted different issues-initiated corporate social responsibility partnership conversations at varying levels by adopting self-promotional, partner-oriented, and balanced-interest strategies to justify and promote their relationships with multiple stakeholders on Twitter. This exploratory study contributes to the scant research on cross-sector social partnerships communication from a nonprofit perspective and adds nonprofit-specific evidence to the existing theories and practices.