bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Trained Pulmonologist Can Reliably Assess Endosonography-Derived Lymph Node Samples during Rapid On-Site Evaluation
Authors: Natali Filippo , Cancellieri Alessandra , Tinelli Carmine , De Silvestri Annalisa , Livi Vanina , Ferrari Marco , Romagnoli Micaela , Paioli Daniela , Trisolini Rocco
Published: April 2019

Background: The widespread use of rapid on-site evaluation is hampered by constraints related to time and resources, inadequate reimbursement, and evidence from randomized trials that show a lack of increase in diagnostic yield and specimen adequacy associated with its usage. Objective: We aimed to verify whether a pulmonologist can assess endosonography-derived lymph node samples after a comprehensive and reproducible training provided by a specialist pathologist. Methods:Prospective, observational trial structured in three phases. In the first (training) phase, a pathologist critically evaluated the smears from 150 archival endosonography cases with a pulmonologist. In the second (test) phase, the pulmonologist was asked to assess 50 archival endosonography-derived samples. In the last (real-life) phase, the pulmonologist classified the samples from 200 patients during the endosonography. The overall agreement between pulmonologist and pathologist (gold standard), assessed through κ-statistics, was the primary outcome. The agreement for the identification of specific cytological categories was the secondary outcome. Results: The overallagreement between pulmonologist and pathologist was 84% (κ0.765, 95% CI 0.732–0.826) in the test phase and 89.7% (κ 0.844, 95% CI 0.799–0.881) in the real-life phase. The agreement for specific cytological categories was 92.7% (95% CI 0.824–0.980) for inadequate samples, 90.3% (95% CI 84.5–94.5%) for reactive lymphadenopathies, 90.5% (95% CI 0.845–0.946) for malignancy, and 73% (95% CI 0.515–0.897) for granulomatous samples. Conclusions: A trained pulmonologist can reliably assess adequacy and malignancy for endosonography-derived samples, which could be useful in institutions where a cytopathologist/cytotechnician is not available regularly.
Oral Food Challenge in Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome by Fish: Is There Any Room for Improvement?
Authors: Infante Sonsoles , Marco-Martín Guadalupe , Zubeldia José Manuel , Fuentes-Aparicio Victoria , Alvarez-Perea Alberto , Cabrera-Freitag Paula , Morales-Cabeza Cristina , Zapatero Lydia
Published: April 2019

Background: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food hypersensitivity usually due to cow’s milk or soy. Among the solid foods, rice is one of the most causative foods worldwide, but it varies depending on the geographic area. In the Mediterranean countries, fish is one of the most important triggers of FPIES. There is not a specific biological marker for the disease that allows us to confirm the diagnosis or to predict when tolerance to the offending food has been achieved, so all patients with a FPIES diagnosis undergo an oral food challenge (OFC) at least once. The OFC is a risky procedure and many patients develop severe symptoms. Objective: We sought to evaluate the safety of a new OFC protocol in children with fish-FPIES. Methods: A retrospective study was performed over a 22-year period (1996–2018). We compared two methodologies used in the OFC: Method 1 that consisted in giving several doses during the same day versus Method 2 that consisted in giving a unique dose per day on 2 or three non-consecutive days. Results: A total of 75 positive OFC with fish done in 40 children were included. Forty-three (57.3%) OFC were performed following Method 1 and 32 (42.7%) with Method 2.The severity of the symptoms of the OFC done with Method 1 was mostly moderate (41.9%) followed by severe (39.5%) and mild (18.6%). The adverse reactions with Method 2 were mostly mild (68.8%) and only 18.8 and 12.5% presented moderate or severe symptoms, respectively. Conclusions: OFC performed in children with fish-FPIES are risky and many patients develop moderate or severe symptoms after this procedure. We propose a new protocol that has demonstrated to improve safety.
Urinary Nephrin as a Biomarker of Glomerular Maturation and Injury Is Associated with Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality in Critically Ill Neonates
Authors: Chen Jiao , Li Gen , Wang Sanfeng , Hu Xiaohan , Sun Yunqing , Dai Xiaomei , Bai Zhenjiang , Pan Jian , Li Xiaozhong , Wang Jian , Li Yanhong
Published: April 2019

Background: Nephrin is a key component of the slit diaphragm of the glomerular podocyte, and increased urinary nephrin level may reflect glomerular injury. Objectives: To determine whether urinary nephrin is a useful biomarker of glomerular maturation and injury and whether it is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) mortality in critically ill neonates. Methods: Urinary samples were serially collected in 234 neonates during NICU stay for measurements of nephrin, cystatin C (CysC), and albumin. AKI diagnosis was based on neonatal Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria. Results: Of the neonates, 26 developed AKI and 24 died during NICU stay. The independent contributors to the initial urinary nephrin level obtained on the first 24 h admitted to NICU were gestational age (p = 0.004) and initial urinary CysC level (p < 0.001). Both initial (p = 0.037) and peak (p = 0.039) urinary nephrin were significantly associated with AKI, even after controlling for significant covariates, and had an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.71 and 0.70, respectively, for predicting AKI. At the optimal cutoff value of 0.375 μg/mg urinary creatinine, the initial urinary nephrin displayed sensitivity of 61.5% and specificity of 76.9% for predicting AKI. The AUCs for initial and peak urinary nephrin to predict NICU mortality were 0.81 and 0.83, respectively. Conclusions: Urinary nephrin, which may decrease with increasing glomerular maturity, is significantly associated with increased risk for AKI and NICU mortality even after adjustment for potential confounders. A higher level of urinary nephrin may be independently predictive of AKI and NICU mortality in critically ill neonates.
An International Study on the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Japan Narrow-Band Imaging Expert Team Classification for Colorectal Polyps Observed with Blue Laser Imaging
Authors: Suzuki Hiroto , Yamamura Takeshi , Nakamura Masanao , Hsu Chen-Ming , Su Ming-Yao , Chen Tsung-Hsing , Chiu Cheng-Tang , Hirooka Yoshiki , Goto Hidemi
Published: April 2019

Background: The Japan narrow-band imaging Expert Team (JNET) classification of colorectal polyps based on magnifying endoscopy is used in Japan, but not worldwide. The objective of this study was to clarify differences of diagnostic accuracy between JNET users in Japan and non-JNET users in other countries. Methods: A total of 185 colorectal tumors were assessed. Six endoscopists (3 each from Japan and Taiwan) participated in the study. The Japanese endoscopists normally used the JNET classification and the Taiwanese endoscopists normally used the narrow-band imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic classification for diagnosis of colorectal tumors. After receiving a lecture on the JNET classification, they all observed one blue laser imaging magnified image per lesion and performed diagnosis based on the JNET classification. Results: Diagnostic ability was equivalent for Type 1, Type 2A, and Type 2B. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value of Type 3 for deep submucosal invasive carcinoma was, respectively, 44.4, 98.3, 57.1, and 97.2% in Group J and 70.0, 94.7, 40.4, and 98.4% in Group T. The PPV for diagnosis of Type 3 with a high confidence was significantly higher in Group J than in Group T (81.8% [55.4–94.6] vs. 44.4% [33.6–50.9], p < 0.05). Conclusions: The PPV for Type 3 differed between the 2 groups, suggesting the need to become familiar with differentiation between Type 2B and Type 3.
Оптимізація лікувально-профілактичної тактики при рубцевих дефектах внаслідок операцій на молочних залозах
Authors: Savoliuk S. I. , Rybchynskyy H. O.
Published: April 2019

Мета роботи: удосконалити комплексне лікування пацієнтів з рубцевими дефектами молочних залоз після хірургічних втручань, обґрунтувати диференційований підхід до вибору лікувально-профілактичних заходів залежно від патогенезу утворення рубцевих дефектів та їх морфології.

Матеріали і методи. Вивчали результати лікувально-профілактичних заходів у трьох групах пацієнток: у першій групі (n=40) виконували інфільтрацію рубця розчином кортикостероїду та лідокаїну з використанням силіконового пластиру «Mepiform» (Швеція) та компресійної терапії; у другій групі (n=53) здійснювали хірургічне висічення з наступним введенням дипроспану в підрубцеву зону та накладання силіконового пластиру; у третій групі (контроль, n=45) проводили виключно висічення без профілактики повторного утворення дефектного рубця. За допомогою ультразвукового дермасканування в динаміці досліджувався розмір, об’єм і показники акустичної щільності рубця. Вимірювання акустичної щільності дерми здійснювали в ділянці розміщення рубця, як контроль вимірювали акустичну щільність дерми на здоровій контрлатеральній ділянці шкіри. При рубцях до 2 мм по ширині (ультрасонографічна оцінка) призначали консервативну терапію – пацієнтки першої групи. Контрольні УЗД-дослідження проводились через 1, 3, 9, 12 місяців після зняття швів. Виконували морфологічне та імуногістохімічне дослідження висічених рубців.

Результати досліджень та обговорення. Завдяки поєднаному застосуванню глюкокортикоїдів, компресійної пов’язки та силіконового пластиру у першій дослідній групі досягнуто зниження  колагеногенезу, капілярогенезу і, як наслідок, унеможливлення відновлення дефектного рубця. Через 9–12 міс. у 67,5 % утворились нормотрофічні рубці, а у 32,5 % – гіпотрофічні. Натомість у другій дослідній групі келоїдні рубці спостерігались у 28,9 % випадків, гіпертрофічні – у 20 %, гіпотрофічні у 11,1 %, нормотрофічні у 40 %. Отримані дані підтверджують, що хірургічне висічення як додаткова механічна травма не забезпечує ідеального вирішення ліквідації дефектного рубця навіть в поєднанні з профілактичними заходами. Наведений висновок випливає також і з результатів лікування контрольної групи (виключно висічення рубця): келоїдні рубці – у 46,7 %, гіпертрофічні – у 11,1 %, нормотрофічні – у 40 %.
Безпека та ефективність симультанних лапароскопічних втручань при лікуванні жовчнокам’яної хвороби та поєднаної хірургічної патології органів черевної порожнини
Authors: Dziubanovskyi I. Ya. , Halei M. M. , Gashchishyn P. A. , Marchuk I. P.
Published: April 2019

Мета роботи: дослідити вплив симультанних лапароскопічних операцій на фізичний стан післяопераційного хворого.

Матеріали і методи. У роботі представлено статистичні дані щодо лікування 411 хворих із жовчнокам’яною хворобою (ЖКХ) та супутньою хірургічною патологією. Для оцінки використовували чіткі числові показники: тривалість операції, об’єм крововтрати, рівень глікемії, рівень кортизолу та альдостерону, сатурація кисню крові, рівень гемоглобіну, креатиніну. Оцінку здійснювали за допомогою шкал Lee та ARISCAT. Отримані результати вносили в базу даних  Microsoft Office Excel 2010, опис кількісних ознак, на основі критерію Шапіро–Уілка з визначенням середнього арифметинчного (М) і стандартного відхилення (S). Для порівняння груп використовували критерії Манна–Уїтні, або U-критерій. При широкому порівняння використовували метод ANOVA. Критичний рівень значущості р у всіх розрахунках визначено як 0,05.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. При обробці даних виявлено збільшення часу операційного втручання. Загалом середній час операції в першій групі складає (42±6) хв, а в другій (51±9) хв. Контроль насичення вуглеводами хворих достатньою мірою допоміг запобігти суб’єктивному дискомфорту, а рівень глікемії лабараторно не відрізнявся і не потребував корекції інсуліном. За критерій розвитку артеріальної гіпотензії прийнято зниження середнього артеріального тиску на 30 % від початкового, або нижче 80 мм рт. ст. у систолічній фазі або девіацією сегмента ST на ЕКГ.
Acute and 1‐Year Hospitalization Costs for Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Results From the TRANSLATE‐ACS Registry
Authors: Cowper Patricia A. , Knight J. David , Davidson‐Ray Linda , Peterson Eric D. , Wang Tracy Y. , Mark Daniel B. ,   the TRANSLATE‐ACS Investigators
Published: April 2019

Background

Hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (MI) in the United States is both common and expensive, but those features alone provide little insight into cost‐saving opportunities.

Methods and Results

To understand the cost drivers during hospitalization for acute MI and in the following year, we prospectively studied 11 969 patients with acute MI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention at 233 US hospitals (2010–2013) from the TRANSLATE‐ACS (Treatment With ADP Receptor Inhibitors: Longitudinal Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Events After Acute Coronary Syndrome) registry. Baseline costs were collected in a random subset (n=4619 patients, 54% ST‐segment–elevation MI [STEMI]), while follow‐up costs out to 1 year were collected for all patients. The mean index length of stay was 3.1 days (for both STEMI and non‐STEMI) and mean intensive care unit length of stay was 1.2 days (1.4 days for STEMI and 1.0 days for non‐STEMI). Index hospital costs averaged $18 931 ($19 327 for STEMI, $18 465 for non‐STEMI), with 45% catheterization laboratory–related and 20% attributable to postprocedure hospital stay. Patient factors, including severity of illness and extent of coronary disease, and hospital characteristics, including for profit status and geographic region, identified significant variations in cost. Intensive care was used for 53% of non‐STEMI and increased costs by $3282. Postdischarge 1‐year costs averaged $8037, and 48% of patients were rehospitalized (half within 2 months and 57% with a cardiovascular diagnosis).

Conclusions

While much of the cost of patients with acute MI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention is probably not modifiable by the care team, cost reductions are still possible through quality‐preserving practice efficiencies, such as need‐based use rather than routine use of intensive care unit for patients with stable non‐STEMI.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00097591.
Nematocysts of the Cubozoa
Authors: GERSHWIN LISA-ANN
Published: April 2019

Nematocysts (stinging organelles) are an important part of cnidarian identification, but the cnidomes of many species remain poorly known because of identification difficulties and confusing nomenclature. Currently, the cnidomes of 20 cubozoan species are documented in whole or in part (including four undescribed species and five newly described species); 18 of these are re-examined in detail, and the cnidomes of 13 species are newly presented. Type material was used for these studies where possible. A new category of nematocyst is designated, namely ‘p-rhopaloid’, characterized by having a v-shaped notch in the undischarged shaft, as in p-mastigophores, but having a lobed discharged shaft, as in rhopaloids; this type of nematocyst is found in both the Carybdeida and Chirodropida. Measurements, shape descriptions, and photographs are presented for all cnidomes studied. Also presented are a glossary to nematocyst terminology, descriptive sections on nematocyst nomenclature and preparation, and a key to the nematocysts of theCubozoa. Special remarks sections for taxonomists and forensic specialists are given, along with a summary of phylogenetic patterns. This catalogue will be useful to taxonomists, envenomation physicians, and toxinologists, as well as anyone wishing to identify cubozoan specimens or stings.
Revision of the genus Culoptila (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae)
Authors: BLAHNIK ROGER J. , HOLZENTHAL R. W.
Published: April 2019

The caddisfly genus Culoptila is revised to include 17 previously described species and 9 new species. Illustrations of the male genitalia and a key are provided for all species. In addition, illustrations of male head and thoracic features, larval characters and cases, and female genitalia are included. New species described here include: Culoptila bidentata (Costa Rica), C. buenoi (Mexico), C. cascada (Costa Rica), C. hamata (Costa Rica), C. pararusia (Mexico), C. plummerensis (eastern United States), C. tapanti (Costa Rica), C. unispina (Costa Rica, Panama), and C. vexillifera (Guatemala).
New records of the River Shark Glyphis (Carcharhinidae) reported from Cape York Peninsula, northern Australia
Authors: PEVERELL S. C. , MCPHERSON G. R. , GARRETT R. N. , GRIBBLE N. A.
Published: April 2019

The distribution of the river shark Glyphis in northern Australia is extended with new records of occurrence in the Gulf of Carpentaria and a reassessment of historical survey data from Cape York Peninsula. Nine new specimens of Glyphis sp. A were collected in 2005 from the Weipa region on the Queensland coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria. A re-examination of archival records from 1978–86 marine and estuarine fish surveys in the Gulf of Carpentaria and along the northern Queensland East Coast allowed a further nineteen Glyphis specimens to be identified. Combined this gives twenty-eight new records of Glyphis specimens from the coasts of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Common habitat characteristics for all captures were turbid, shallow, fast running tidal water in the upper reaches of coastal rivers. The substrate was generally muddy and the rivers lined with mangrove. In all surveys the representation of Glyphis was low, being less than 1% of the total shark captures historically and 0.002 sharks 50 m net hour -1 in Weipa 2005. The size range captured was 1000–1800 mm total length historically and 705 –1200 mm total length from Weipa 2005, with none recorded as sexually mature. Diagnostic characteristics of the Weipa specimens, identified as Glyphis sp. A, were: lower jaw teeth protruding and “spear-like”; second dorsal fin greater than half the height of the first dorsal fin; the snout relatively short and fleshy in the lateral view; pectoral fin ventral surface black in colouration; the precaudal vertebral count between 118 and 123; and the total vertebral count between 204 and 209.
A revision of the weevil genus Procas Stephens (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea: Erirhinidae)
Authors: THOMPSON RICHARD T.
Published: April 2019

The Holarctic weevil genus Procas Stephens, 1831 is revised for the first time. Six species are recognized: four in the western Palaearctic Region, one in the eastern Palaearctic Region and one in the Nearctic Region. One new species, P. michaelis, sp. n. is described from Spain and one new subspecies, P. picipes levantinus, ssp. n. is described from the Levant. P. picipes (Marsham, 1802), sp. rev. and P. p. steveni (Gyllenhal, 1835), ssp. rev. are released from synonymy with P. armillatus (Fabricius, 1801). The species are separated using, among others, characters derived from sternite 8 of the male which is here used at species level for the first time.        Related genera are discussed. Notodermus Desbrochers, 1875, gen. rev. and Apachiscelus Desbrochers, 1875, gen. rev. are released from synonymy with Procas. Pseudypera Voss, 1936, is returned to synonymy with Notodermus (stat. rev.). Syrdariellia Ter-Minassian, 1978 = Theanellus Reitter, 1912, syn. n. Hypera siccensis (Normand, 1951), comb. n. (ex Procas) = H. pollux (Fabricius, 1796), syn. n. Procas cottyi Perris, 1864 = P. armillatus (Fabricius, 1801), syn. rev. The following new combinations are made in Theanellus: T. alepensis (Pic), comb. n. (ex Procas); T. alternans (Faust, 1885), comb. n. (ex Procas); T. testaceus (Bajtenov, 1974), comb. n. (ex Procas); T. antoinei (Hustache, 1932), comb. n. (ex Procas); T. fastidiosus (Pic, 1904b), comb. n. (ex Procas).        The relationships of the taxa are shown in a simple dendrogram, together with their habitats which vary from very wet to very dry.
First record of Greenidea psidii van der Goot and comparison with Greenidea ficicola Takahashi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Brazil
Authors: LAZZARI SONIA MARIA NOEMBERG , ZONTA-DE-CARVALHO REGINA CÉLIA , CARDOSO JOSIANE TERESINHA , CALADO DANIÉLA CRISTINA
Published: April 2019

Greenidea psidii van der Goot, 1916 is registered by the first time in Brazil. It was found associated with Psidium guajava L. in Paraná, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo States, and with Psidium cattleianum Sabine in the city of Curitiba, Paraná. A brief comparative synopsis and pictures of the main diagnostic characters are given for this species and for Greenidea ficicola Takahashi, 1921, which was also recently found in Brazil, collected on Ficus benjamina (L.) in Paraná and Santa Catarina, and on Ficus microcarpa L. in São Paulo State.
Distribution of larval Stomiidae of the Brazilian central coast, southwest Atlantic Ocean (12°S–22°S)
Authors: DE CASTRO MÁRCIA SALUSTIANO , BONECKER ANA CRISTINA TEIXEIRA
Published: April 2019

This study was designed to describe the occurrence and distribution of Stomiidae along the Brazilian central coast. Three oceanographic cruises were made in the Brazilian central coast during the spring/1998, winter/1999 and autumn/2000. Stomiid larvae were very rare in the samples, occurring in 13% of the sampled stations. A total of 102 stomiid larvae were collected representing 11 species, some of which could only be identified to genus: Aristostomias sp., Astronesthes sp., Bathophilus sp., Eustomias sp., Melanostomias sp., Stomias sp., Chauliodus sloani, Flagellostomias boureei, Photonectes mirabilis, Photostomias guernei and Stomias affinis. All species identified have already been recorded from the Brazilian coast as adults, except for P. guernei, first recorded in this study. Most taxa were distributed both in the northern and southern regions of the study area, including the banks of the Vitória-Trindade Ridge. Stomias sp. was the most abundant taxon among all groups and was widely distributed along the study area. The species C. sloani and F. boureei were only collected in the south and north regions, respectively.
A new species of Pselaphogenius Reitter, 1910 of the fiorii species group from southern Italy (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae)
Authors: SABELLA GIORGIO , VIGLIANISI FABIO MASSIMO , BEKCHIEV ROSTISLAV
Published: April 2019

Pselaphogenius chloe sp. n. belonging to the fiorii species group is described. The distribution of the 12 species belonging to this group is detailed and an identification key is provided. The hypothesis that the current distribution and the differentiation of the species of the Pselaphogenius of the fiorii group have been determined by the Pleistocenic glaciations is discussed.
A Prototype Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Algorithm for Operational S-Band Polarimetric Radar Utilizing Specific Attenuation and Specific Differential Phase. Part II: Performance Verification and Case Study Analysis
Authors: Cocks Stephen B. , Tang Lin , Zhang Pengfei , Ryzhkov Alexander , Kaney Brian , Elmore Kimberly L. , Wang Yadong , Zhang Jian , Howard Kenneth
Published: April 2019

The quantitative precipitation estimate (QPE) algorithm developed and described in Part I was validated using data collected from 33 Weather Surveillance Radar 1988-Doppler (WSR-88D) radars on 37 calendar days east of the Rocky Mountains. A key physical parameter to the algorithm is the parameter alpha α, defined as the ratio of specific attenuation A to specific differential phase KDP. Examination of a significant sample of tropical and continental precipitation events indicated that α was sensitive to changes in drop size distribution and exhibited lower (higher) values when there were lower (higher) concentrations of larger (smaller) rain drops. As part of the performance assessment, the prototype algorithm generated QPEs utilizing a real-time estimated and a fixed α were created and evaluated. The results clearly indicated ~26% lower errors and a 26% better bias ratio with the QPE utilizing a real-time estimated α as opposed to using a fixed value as was done in previous studies. Comparisons between the QPE utilizing a real-time estimated α and the operational dual-polarization (dual-pol) QPE used on the WSR-88D radar network showed the former exhibited ~22% lower errors, 7% less bias, and 5% higher correlation coefficient when compared to quality controlled gauge totals. The new QPE also provided much better estimates for moderate to heavy precipitation events and performed better in regions of partial beam blockage than the operational dual-pol QPE.
Comparison of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Japan Diabetes Society reference methods for conversion to the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program values
Authors: Nakajima Katsuyuki , Koyama Isao , Watanabe Makoto , Nakamura Masakazu , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Tokita Yoshiharu , Sakamaki Koji , Yatsuzuka Shin-Ichi , Shimomura Yohnosuke
Published: April 2019

Background

The national programmes for the harmonization of haemoglobin A1c measurement in the US and Japan are based on differently designated comparison methods. The future basis for international standardization is expected to be the reference system developed by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) Working Group on haemoglobin A1c Standardization. The aim of the present study is to compare the relationship between the IFCC reference method (RM) and Japanese Diabetes Society (JDS) RM used for the conversion to the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) values.

Methods

Three different method-comparison studies were performed. All blood samples were measured at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centers (Lipid Reference Laboratories) that serve as Level 1 reference laboratories of the NGSP Network. Regression equations were calculated for the IFCC RM and JDS RM for the conversion to NGSP values.

Results

Differences were found between the haemoglobin A1c values of the IFCC RM and those of JDS. However, in all cases, the relationships of the IFCC RM and JDS RM were linear and commutable. The relationship is described by the following regression equations: NGSP-HbA1c = 0.915(IFCC-HbA1c) + 2.15% (r2 = 0.998); JDS/JSCC-HbA1c = 0.927(IFCC-HbA1c) + 1.73% (r2 = 0.997).

Conclusion

There is a firm and reproducible link between the IFCC and JDS-HbA1c values. However, the values calibrated by JDS RM were consistently and significantly higher than the IFCC values (0.1–0.2%) when used for conversion to the NGSP values.
The challenges for sociocybernetics
Authors: Hornung Bernd R
Published: April 2019

This contribution is a concise overview, within the limited space available, of what is sociocybernetics. It addresses the general sociological reader without special knowledge in the fields of systems, cybernetics and sociocybernetics. It describes the main challenges for the further development of this field, thus providing a background for the articles in this monograph. In many places the term ‘systems’ is used instead of ‘systems and cybernetics’, because cybernetics can be considered the branch of systems science dealing with the dynamic aspects of steering, control and communication.
The Colombian peace process and the complexity of violence: A sociocybernetic observation
Authors: Paetau Michael
Published: April 2019

This article aims to demonstrate exemplarily the capability of a sociocybernetic description to deal with complexity in social structures of polycontextural observations. It contributes to understanding the currently extremely polarised public debate in Colombia about the peace agreement of 2016. Based on systems-theoretical and constructivist principles, particularly the fundamental system/environment distinction, and exemplified by the issue of a ‘culture of violence’ – a matter of heated debate in Colombian sociology – the article shows how sociocybernetic interventions may open a new way of looking at the interdependency between power, violence and culture.
Nesting self-employment in education, work and family trajectories of Romanian migrant returnees
Authors: Vlase Ionela , Croitoru Alin
Published: April 2019

Challenging a biased view towards self-employed returnees as neoliberal selves, as the normalized approach of the migration–development nexus tends to depict them, this article builds an alternative conceptual framework to unpack the variegated experiences of migrant returnees’ self-employment trajectories in post-socialist Romania. The authors argue that the overemphasis on the benefits of return migration for origin countries through the skewed focus on the migrants’ accrual of human and financial capital and their ostensible entrepreneurial orientation has resulted in disregarding more influential biographical and cultural aspects. Life story interviews with middle-aged participants reveal the complex subjectivities that are co-produced by the habitus formed during communism – as children born and raised within working-class families – neoliberalism’s rise during the post-socialist transition, and migration, which altered the pursuit of their life goals. The article documents three distinct self-employment pathways among the interviewed return migrants, suggesting that the subjectivities of the self-employed are not uniformly confined to neoliberal self-understandings.
Assessing risks and threats with layered approach to Internet of Things security
Authors: Aydos Murat , Vural Yılmaz , Tekerek Adem
Published: April 2019

Internet of Things is the next-generation Internet network created by intelligent objects with software and sensors, employed in a wide range of fields such as automotive, construction, health, textile, education and transportation. With the advent of Industry 4.0, Internet of Things has been started to be used and it has led to the emergence of innovative business models. The processing and production capabilities of Internet of Things objects in hidden and critical data provide great advantages for the next generation of Internet. However, the integrated features of Internet of Things objects cause vulnerabilities in terms of security, making them the target of cyber threats. In this study, a security model which offers an integrated risk-based Internet of Things security approach for the Internet of Things vulnerabilities while providing detailed information about Internet of Things and the types of attacks targeting Internet of Things is proposed. In addition, in this study, the vulnerabilities of Internet of Things were explained by classifying attack types threatening the physical layer, network layer, data processing layer and application layer. Moreover, the risk-based security model has been proposed by examining the vulnerabilities and threats of smart objects that generate the Internet of Things. The proposed Internet of Things model is a holistic security model that separately evaluates the Internet of Things layers against vulnerabilities and threats based on the risk-level approach.
Formative research on devising a street play to create awareness about mental illness: Cultural adaptation and targeted approach
Authors: Loganathan Santosh , Varghese Mathew
Published: April 2019

Background:

Poor awareness about mental health and illness is one of the causes for the large treatment gap for all mental disorders across India.

Material:

We used both qualitative and quantitative methods in devising a street play to enhance knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about mental illness.

Discussion:

The formative research enabled the intervention to remain culturally appropriate to the socio-cultural practices of the targeted rural audience.

Conclusion:

Targeted audiences need to be understood carefully for their beliefs and notions about mental health and sickness. Their socio-cultural practices need incorporation in street plays to make them relevant and meaningful.
Young Children’s Social Networks in an Informal Urban Settlement in Kenya: Examining Network Characteristics Among Kamba, Kikuyu, Luo, and Maasai Children
Authors: Salinas Daniela A. , Fouts Hillary N. , Neitzel Carin L. , Bates-Fredi Denise R.
Published: April 2019

Children’s social networks comprise a variety of social partners who interact with the child in unique ways and contribute distinctly to her social and emotional development. This study examines the structure of children’s social networks from four different ethnic groups (Kamba, Kikuyu, Luo, and Maasai) residing in an informal urban settlement in Kenya. Twenty boys and 24 girls ( M = 40 months) were observed on three different weekdays for 2 hr each day, to assess children’s experiences across daylight hours. Children’s social networks predominantly consisted of nonrelative children and nonrelative adults. However, larger social networks did not necessarily mean more highly involved members. Peers were observed to be in close proximity and to engage in play and conversation with the focal children more often than did adult social partners. The findings have implications for intervention programs that focus predominantly on nuclear family members, as they may overlook important roles that other social network members play in children’s lives. The low occurrence of play between adults and children in this study is consistent with studies in other non-Western contexts, where play is generally not considered part of parents’ role nor a fundamental characteristic of parent–child interactions.
Jumping through Hoops: Troubling Music Teacher Dilemmas in the New Era of Accountability
Authors: Shaw Ryan
Published: April 2019

Conversations around changes to music teacher evaluation have publicly played out for the last decade. These discussions largely have focused on discrete aspects of the new accountability systems, including the particulars of observations, measuring student growth in non-tested grades and subjects, the motivation for changes to teacher evaluation, and myriad potential problems and unintended consequences involved. However, the underlying logic that drives these changes has been relatively ignored. I suggest that lurking beneath the surface of recent accountability systems is performativity, an approach to education that reorients schooling toward the competitive needs of the economy. In this “production” model, teachers are narrowly defined as effective if they produce specified results in the form of standardized test scores or successful completion of student learning objectives. This article offers vignettes of music teachers’ struggles under performativity to illustrate the dilemmas faced by conscientious educators, and it addresses some of their concerns.
Inside Out: Integrating Creative Practices into the Orchestra Classroom
Authors: Park Leo
Published: April 2019

Improvisation-based exercises may be the key to unlocking students’ innate musical creativities. This article focuses on two exercises—drone improvisation and circle stringing—that can be easily integrated into the orchestra curriculum and adapted to the learning needs of the individual student, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble settings. Of critical importance is fostering an environment of musical discovery and exploration that reaches beyond the purview of traditional ensemble-based classroom experiences. Such an approach promotes a comprehensive pedagogy that honors tradition, values experimentation, and embraces the contemporary.
High-Impact Experiences through Commissioned Works and Composer Residencies
Authors: Ewing Micah
Published: April 2019

Music students, their teachers, composers, and school communities experience deep, long-lasting growth in music-making and artistic perspective when provided with opportunities to engage in the commissioning of new musical works in conjunction with composer residencies. Through consideration of relevant literature and case-study examination, the article defines and articulates possible formats for commissioned works projects with composer residencies. A discussion of the beneficial outcomes of such projects for student musicians, music educators, composers, and constituent communities addresses reasons for coordinating projects of this nature. The article concludes with a step-by-step guide that lays out how educators can organize a commissioned work and composer residency project for their students that is appropriate for their specific educational context.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and the “Five Stages” Model in a Sampling of Recent Textbooks Published in 10 Countries Outside the United States
Authors: Corr Charles A.
Published: April 2019

A previous article in this journal examined some aspects of the enduring influence of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s “five stages” model through a sampling of recent American textbooks in selected academic disciplines and professional fields. This article offers a parallel sampling of 47 textbooks published in 10 different countries outside the United States. The questions to be answered are as follows: Does the “five stages” model appear without significant change in the textbooks described here? Is the “five stages” model applied in these textbooks to issues involving loss, grief, and bereavement as well as to those involving terminal illness and dying? Is the “five stages” model criticized in some or all of these textbooks? If so, is the criticism sufficient to argue that, while the “five stages” model might be presented as an important historical framework, it should no longer be regarded as a sound theory to guide contemporary education and practice?
Analysis and improvement of tactile comfort and low-stress mechanical properties of denim fabrics
Authors: Uren Nazli , Okur Ayse
Published: April 2019

Despite the fact that the tactile comfort of a garment is an important criterion that determines consumers' preferences and has been investigated for almost a century by many researchers, the number of studies regarding tactile comfort of denim fabrics is limited. The aim of this study is to propose suggestions to enhance the tactile comfort of denim fabrics and investigate their efficiency in terms of low-stress mechanical properties and sensory evaluation results. For this purpose, the compressibility, extension ability, bending rigidity and shear rigidity of 51 denim fabrics were experimentally determined. Meanwhile, stiffness–softness, roughness–smoothness and tactile comfort scores were evaluated by consumers and specialists via sensory tests. The effects of the raw material, blend ratio, weaving parameters and washing processes were statistically investigated. Low-stress mechanical properties, particularly biaxial and multiaxial ones, were found to be highly related to the perceived tactile comfort. Statistical investigations highlighted that stone washing is the most effective method to improve the tactile comfort. Nonetheless, the effect of enzyme washing was relatively small. It was observed that the suggested weaving parameters provide a significant improvement in fabric properties. Increasing the ratio of viscose content in polyester/viscose blend weft yarns was quite effective as well.
Morphometrical structural analysis of inter-thread pores in woven fabrics with the use of computer image analysis
Authors: Owczarek Magdalena
Published: April 2019

The main aim of the study is to present a new innovative method designed by the author of non-destructive, accurate and morphometrical identification of fabric structural parameters, individual inter-thread pores (ITPs) in particular. The description parameters and fabric structure assessment methodology with the use of digital image analysis with author's copyrighted MagFABRIC software were created specifically for this analysis.

The ITP parameters were described in three aspects: size, shape and location in the fabric structure. The study was conducted on two groups of fabrics: plain and twill weave. The need for a bimodal analysis of the fabric structure parameters was indicated, as it allowed for the structure differences identification in the test fabrics. The analysis results were compared to the air permeability test. The developed methodology is relevant to specialized fabrics (e.g. barrier fabrics, industrial filters and any other fabric where the ITP area is an important parameter).
Youth Perceptions of Voting Participation in the Midst of Catalonia’s Active Struggle for Independence
Authors: Wilson-Daily Ann E. , Kemmelmeier Markus
Published: April 2019

Focusing on youth attitudes during a time of political upheaval in Catalonia, we study 1,438 high school students, aged 15 to 16, nested within 30 high schools. Using multilevel analyses, we examine their perceptions of the importance of voting across different election types (independence referendum, local, subnational, national, supernational) and intent to vote regularly upon turning 18. Results show a matching effect of perceived voting importance with levels of municipal, Catalan, Spanish, and European identification. Notably, voting importance across different elections also relates to the extent students perceived their social studies teacher as open to debate and the expression of student opinions within the classroom. This study also highlights differences between the importance that students place on voting in a possible independence referendum compared with conventional elections. For example, socioeconomic status and political dialogue with parents are not associated with perceived voting importance concerning the referendum but are with other election types.
Destination Fascination and Destination Loyalty: Subjective Well-Being and Destination Attachment as Mediators
Authors: Wang Yao-Chin , Liu Chyong-Ru , Huang Wen-Shiung , Chen Shan-Pei
Published: April 2019

Following the Reasonable Person Model, this study examines the effects of destination fascination on subjective well-being and destination attachment as well as looking at the subsequent outcome of destination loyalty. A total of 936 responses were collected from tourists to national parks (302), forest recreational areas (300), and theme parks (334). The results of this study prove the effect of destination fascination on improving subjective well-being and destination attachment and shows the effects of subjective well-being and destination attachment on enhancing destination loyalty. Subjective well-being and destination attachment fully mediated effects from destination fascination to destination loyalty. Moreover, extensive validity of the proposed model was verified by engaging different destination types. The findings of this study enrich the base of knowledge about destination fascination in the tourism academy and contributes practical implications for destination management and marketing.
Improving Placement Accuracy in California’s Community Colleges Using Multiple Measures of High School Achievement
Authors: Bahr Peter Riley , Fagioli Loris P. , Hetts John , Hayward Craig , Willett Terrence , Lamoree Daniel , Newell Mallory A. , Sorey Ken , Baker Rachel B.
Published: April 2019

Objective: Standardized placement tests remain the primary means by which new community college students are assessed and placed in the hierarchy of math and English coursework. A growing body of evidence indicates that placement tests tend to underestimate students’ likelihood of achieving passing grades in college-level courses, leading to students being misplaced in developmental coursework, slowing their academic progress, and increasing their likelihood of dropping out of college. This article discusses the results of a statewide research effort to improve the accuracy of student placement in math and English in the California Community College system. Method: Decision tree methods were applied to high school and college transcript data to identify key measures of high school achievement that predict performance in nine levels of community college math courses (three developmental and six college level) and four levels of community college English courses (three developmental and one college level). Results: Cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) is the most consistently useful predictor of performance across levels of math and English coursework, and a higher GPA is necessary to signal readiness for college-level coursework in math than is necessary to signal readiness for college-level coursework in English. In addition, cumulative GPA combined with specific indications of progress in the high school curriculum is frequently useful for predicting performance in math among direct matriculants and for predicting performance in both math and English among nondirect matriculants. Conclusion: Drawing on the findings, placement rules that colleges can apply directly in their placement processes are developed and validated.
The methodology of missiology in the context of Turtle Island
Authors: Fensham Charles J.
Published: April 2019

This article explores the impact of contextual change and reality in Turtle Island on missiological methodology. It is a contextually focused argument to try and tease out some specific dimensions of methodology. At the heart of the argument lies the conviction that posture in the study of missiology is a critical part of its methodology. This focus on posture also addresses the potential tension between practitioners of mission and university- and seminary-based professors of mission. First, it will briefly outline some traditional assumptions of missiological methodology. Then it will argue that methodology on Turtle Island should be rooted in a christomorphic engagement with Scripture and context. Out of this engagement arises a creatively constructive process, guided by the Spirit. Through this process missiological methodology needs to take on the character of a humble pilgrim through the different disciplines and “worlds” of its context while focused on the salvific thriving of all creation. Ultimately, because mission arises out of a joyful doxological response to God’s grace for the world, missiological methodology is to be practiced as a discipline of creative poiesis.
Deceptive Affection Across Relational Contexts: A Group Comparison of Romantic Relationships, Cross-Sex Friendships, and Friends With Benefits Relationships
Authors: Trask Sara L. , Horstman Haley Kranstuber , Hesse Colin
Published: April 2019

Communicating affection is important for developing and maintaining relationships; yet, it can be risky when it is used deceptively. Grounded in affection exchange theory (AET), the purpose of the present study is to test how types of deceptive affection—or incongruity between affection felt and expressed—predicts relational health differently across three relational contexts: romantic relationships (RRs), cross-sex friendships (CSFs), and friends with benefits relationships (FWBRs). Multiple group analyses using structural equation modeling ( n = 526 college students) revealed varying relational types provide both intensified and withheld affection, with FWBRs experiencing both types of deceptive affection the most. Furthermore, intensified affection is positively related to relational health outcomes in RRs, and withheld affection negatively predicts relational health in FWBRs. Findings suggest that differences exist between relational types and both types of deceptive affection and relational health. Theoretical implications for expanding AET Postulates 3 and 5 are discussed.
Beyond Efficiency or Justice: The Structure and Measurement of Public Servants’ Public Values Preferences
Authors: Wang Xuejun , Wang Ziqi
Published: April 2019

The public values preferences of public servants play an increasingly important role in understanding their administrative behaviors in the era of public value management. Researchers, however, tend to choose proxy or simplified variables to measure public values preferences, resulting in incomplete understanding of the underlying structure. Based on survey data in China, this study develops a five-dimensional scale of public servants’ public values preferences and verifies the scale’s predictive validity by adopting public service motivation and work performance as the criteria. From this study, we call for the establishment of a public values-based public personnel management system.