bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Donor Influence on Long-Term Innovation Within Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Ranucci Rebecca , Lee Hyunjung
Published: April 2019

We examine how donors influence nonprofit long-term product innovation by estimating a fixed-effects model using longitudinal data on a sample of nonprofit organizations. Innovation requires multiyear funding, but some donations to nonprofit organizations are a transient source of funding. Consistently, we find that when nonprofit organizations increasingly rely on donations from external private sources of funding, long-term innovation declines. However, as the nonprofit organization generates revenue from more predictable relational customers, concern associated with transient donations is attenuated. Moreover, in contrast to dependence on external donations deterring innovation, when a nonprofit grows their donor network, it increasingly emphasizes the long-term innovative interests of donors. The donor network offers social capital that provides managers with confidence and access to new information necessary to pursue innovation.
Do Black Lives Matter in Post-Brexit Britain?
Authors: Reddie Anthony G.
Published: April 2019

This article speaks to existential challenges facing Black people, predominantly of Caribbean descent, to live in what continues to be a White dominated and White entitled society. Working against the backdrop of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement that originated in the United States, this article analyses the socio-political and cultural frameworks that affirm Whiteness whilst concomitantly, denigrating Blackness. The author, a well-known Black liberation theologian, who is a child of the Windrush Generation, argues that Western Mission Christianity has always exemplified a deep-seated form of anti-Blackness that has helped to shape the agency of Black bodies, essentially marking them as ‘less than’. This theological base has created the frameworks that have dictated the sematic belief that Black bodies do not really matter and if they do, then they are invariably second-class ones when compared to White bodies. In the final part of the article, the author outlines the ways in which Black theology in Britain, drawing on postcolonial theological and biblical optics, has sought to critique the ethnocentrism of White Christianity in Britain in order to assert that ‘Black Lives Do Matter’.
A parametric analysis of the surface roughness of teeth shaped by a pinion shaper cutter and guidelines for choosing process parameters
Authors: Svahn Mattias
Published: April 2019

A parametric mathematical model is presented, by which it is possible to determine the machined gear tooth surface topography cut by a pinion shaper cutter. Arbitrary internal or external helical gears designs can be considered, the gear and the shaper cutter must only share a basic rack design. The basic rack has here an elliptical fillet, as it allows fewer tool tooth numbers without the risk of undercut. The machined tooth surface is presented in three dimensions and by surface roughness parameters [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. A novel method to choose cutting parameters and tool design is also presented.
Effects of electro-discharge machining process on ultra-fined grain copper
Authors: Mahdieh Mohammad Sajjad , Zare-Reisabadi Sara
Published: April 2019

Copper alloys, due to their proper ductility, proper thermal conductivity and low electrical resistivity, are very applicable in various industries. Ultra-fined grain materials undergo severe plastic deformation processes, in which the microstructure of the material is drastically changed as well as enhancing the level of the energy stored in the grain boundaries. These processes such as equal channel angular pressing, considerably change the material's properties including strength and hardness. Although some specifications of the ultra-fined grain copper obtained via equal channel angular pressing process is improved, the high level of stored energy makes it thermodynamically unstable and susceptible to microstructural changes during secondary thermo-mechanical processes. In the present paper, the effects of the electro-discharge machining on the ultra-fined grain copper alloy has been studied, and the results have been compared with coarse grain copper. The thickness of the recast layer and heat affected zone of the electro-discharge machined samples was investigated as well as the cracks density and the micro-hardness through optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-hardness tester. The results show that the ultra-fined grain samples have thicker recast layer and heat affected zone and higher cracks density, comparing to coarse grain samples. However, the micro-hardness of the electro-discharge machined surface of both groups is approximately identical.
The Development Surprise of Bangladesh: Its Implications for Other Bay-of-Bengal and Andaman Sea Rim Nations
Authors: Chakravorty N N Tarun
Published: April 2019

There is a mix of growth and development patterns in the region of Bay-of-Bengal and the Andaman Sea (BoBAS) rim countries, for example, pathways to Bangladesh’s exceptional human development achievements despite low per capita income may be a good example for Myanmar, Indonesia and India to follow, and success in governance improvement and high income per capita achieved by Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore may provide good lessons for others. This article investigates the drivers of Bangladesh’s human and social development so that other countries in this region, lagging in development, may learn to benefit from each other on various dimensions of growth and development in the framework of regional cooperation and concerted efforts, which might be the initial stage of forming a trade union or economic zone. This study finds that non-governmental initiatives offering low-cost or free contraceptives, healthcare and schooling, and women empowerment made this development possible in Bangladesh.

JEL Classification: O11, O57
Geo-strategic Significance of Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea: Leveraging Maritime, Energy and Transport Connectivity for Regional Cooperation
Authors: Pattanaik Smruti S.
Published: April 2019

Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea (BoBAS) constitutes a single economically integrated region. Though for the strategic purpose, India looks at Bay of Bengal (BoB) separated from the Andaman Sea (AS). Since 2000, India has been making an effort to integrate its north-eastern region to the vibrant economies in Southeast Asia. In this context, BoBAS becomes significant to emerge as an economically integrated region that has the potential for growth. Most of the countries, except for Myanmar, have witnessed 6–8 per cent growth for the past 10 years. They face similar maritime security threats, issues of terrorism and drug trafficking. Over the past few years, the countries of the region have invested on establishing connectivity network and are ready to cooperate on blue economy as a part of sustainable development. Several bilateral and multilateral cooperations that exist suggests that the region will emerge as an integrated economic and security zone in the future.
Application of Stochastic Frontier Production Function in Sugarcane Industry-treated Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture: Case Study of a Coastal District in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Radhakrishnan Karthick , Das Sukanya
Published: April 2019

Sugarcane is an important cash crop that grows in different agro-climatic zones: tropical and subtropical regions in India. It is the second-largest growing non-food crop in Tamil Nadu. Sugarcane mills generate waste at different stages of processing, which are bagassee, pressmud and wastewater. Managing and hand gripping of these wastes have been challenging tasks for the sugarcane industry. Wastewater generated by the sugarcane industry is rich in organic material such as carbohydrates and proteins, which enhance crop productivity. The present study aims to understand the farmers’ perceptions about the usage of sugarcane industry wastewater and measure the technical efficiency of the usage while also identifying the key determinants of sugarcane farming households. The primary survey for this study was conducted with 99 sugarcane farmers of Cuddalore district during January and February 2017. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and pre-tested before final administration in the field. Out of 10 blocks in the district, 2 were selected. Within these blocks, six villages were chosen based on the extent of wastewater use in agricultural fields. Results showed that the farmers were not aware of the wastewater quality, and they believed it increased the productivity of sugarcane in the selected study location. For the land size, fertilisers are positively impacting the farm output and the price of sugarcane, but labour is negatively impacted. Results yield that the age and class of the respondents also have a direct relationship with the technical efficiency.

JEL: Q12, Q25, Q53
Fabrication and transient responses of highly flexible and humidity-insensitive ionic polymer–metal composites in different sensory modes
Authors: Gudarzi Mohammad , Smolinski Patrick , Wang Qing-Ming
Published: April 2019

Ionic polymer–metal composites, although with attracting properties such as flexibility, easy processing, resilience, and high sensitivity, have some drawbacks including the fragility of electrodes and strong humidity dependence which limit their practical applications. This study aims to fabricate ionic polymer–metal composites with sputtered gold thin film electrodes and to coat them with a waterproof acrylic material to extend their consistent sensory response over time. For this aim, after explaining the sensing mechanism of ionic polymer–metal composites based on streaming potential hypothesis for compression, bending, and shear modes, the fabrication process of the proposed ionic polymer–metal composites is presented. A signal conditioner is designed based on the measurement results of the equivalent resistance and capacitance of the devices. A shock tube setup is then utilized to obtain the impulse response of fabricated ionic polymer–metal composite devices in different modes of deformation. To verify how this waterproof coating maintains the ionic polymer–metal composite’s sensing performance, some experiments are carried out over a period of 6 days after fabrication for both acrylic-coated and uncoated samples. Analyzing the results shows that fabricated ionic polymer–metal composites represent an appropriate linearity, sensitivity, and reliability over time and this coating approach not only suppresses the diluent permeation but also has a negligible effect on the ionic polymer–metal composite electromechanical properties.
Understanding Underuse of Advance Care Planning Among a Cohort of African American Patients With Advanced Cancer: Formative Research That Examines Gaps in Intent to Discuss Options for Care
Authors: Rhodes Ramona L. , Ukoha Nkemdirim C. E. , Williams Kimberly A. , Elwood Bryan , Knox-Rice Tori , Lee Simon C. , Tiro Jasmin A. , Skinner Celette Sugg , Halm Ethan A.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Advance care planning (ACP), palliative care (PC), and hospice are often underutilized by African Americans (AAs). This study assessed the impact of stage of intent to discuss ACP options as key potential barriers.

Methods:

We examined intent to discuss completion of ACP, PC, and hospice among 22 AA patients with cancer admitted to a local safety net hospital. Participants were asked about intent to discuss an advanced directive or living will (AD/LW), medical power of attorney (MPOA), PC, and hospice with their doctors. Intent to discuss these ACP components was based on the transtheoretical model. Electronic health records were reviewed at various intervals to assess completion of ACP behaviors and survival.

Results:

Participants had colorectal (33%), breast (44%), and lung (23%) cancer, and 82% had stage III/IV disease. Low percentages of patients were in the precontemplation stage for AD/LW completion (4.6%), MPOA completion (13.6%), and PC discussions (27.2%), but 77.2% were in the precontemplation stage for hospice discussions. At 1 year, only 5% completed an AD/LW, 36.4% appointed an MPOA, 42.9% were referred to PC, and 12.5% were referred to hospice. More than half (54.6%) were deceased by the study’s conclusion. Most (81%) of these died within 6 months of their baseline study assessment.

Conclusions:

Despite being hospitalized with advanced cancer and having poor prognosis, intent to discuss ACP options, PC, and hospice in this population was variable, and completion of these activities was low. This formative research is needed to develop education and counseling interventions for this high-risk, vulnerable population.
Development and Content Validation of the Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale (ChOMPS)
Authors: Pados Britt F. , Thoyre Suzanne M. , Park Jinhee , Estrem Hayley H. , McComish Cara
Published: April 2019

This article describes the development and content validation of the Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale (ChOMPS), a parent-report assessment of eating, drinking, and related skills in children 6 months to 7 years of age. Initially, 69 items for the ChOMPS were generated from literature review. Nineteen professionals evaluated the ChOMPS using content validity indices (CVI). Significant revisions were made to items and directions based on professional feedback. CVI were acceptable for both the relevance and clarity of items. Cognitive interviews were then conducted with 19 parents to explore parent understanding of items. Additional revisions were made based on parent feedback. The reading grade level of the resulting ChOMPS was less than sixth grade. The 70-item ChOMPS has evidence of content validity, indicating the items are relevant and clear to professionals, and parents understand the directions and items as intended.
The broad scope of enactivism
Authors: Corris Amanda , Chemero Anthony
Published: April 2019

Villalobos and Razeto-Barry suggest that extended enactivist interpretations of the autopoietic theory do not adequately address the bodily dimensions of living beings. In reply, we suggest that the extended enactivist view provides a richer account of living beings than a theory confined to autopoiesis, and therefore should not be supplanted by a modified autopoietic theory.
Intrapleural Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Traumatic Retained Hemothorax
Authors: Holsen Maya R. , Tameron Ashley M. , Evans David C. , Thompson Molly
Published: April 2019

Objective: To describe the efficacy, safety, dosing regimen, and administration technique of intrapleural alteplase for the treatment of retained hemothorax. Data Sources: A PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar search (January 2000 to February 2019) was conducted with the search terms intrapleural, fibrinolytic, fibrinolysis, alteplase, tissue plasminogen activator, and hemothorax. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles were included if they described the use of intrapleural alteplase in adult patients with a retained hemothorax; single patient case reports and abstracts were excluded. Data Synthesis: A total of 6 retrospective reviews and 1 meta-analysis were identified for inclusion. A variety of dosing strategies have been defined for the administration of intrapleural alteplase ranging from 6 to 100 mg, volume of fluid from 50 to 120 mL of normal saline, and the number of total doses has ranged from 1 to 8 over the treatment course. A majority of studies showed a greater than 80% success rate and less than 7% bleeding rate. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Because of the paucity of data for use of alteplase in retained hemothorax and administration of a high-risk medication, this review provides dosing and administration recommendations based on reported safety and efficacy. Conclusion: Administration of intrapleural alteplase should be considered in patients with retained hemothorax as an alternative to surgical intervention. In contrast to intrapleural alteplase administration for other indications such as empyema, higher doses and volumes of alteplase are recommended for retained hemothorax.
Research on production planning and scheduling based on improved collaborative optimization
Authors: Zheng Song , Gao Jiaxin , Xu Jian
Published: April 2019

The production planning is aimed at the formulation and distribution of the overall production plan, while the production scheduling focuses on the implementation of the specific production plan. It is very important to coordinate each other in order to promote the production efficiency of enterprises, but the integrated optimization of production planning and scheduling has great challenges. This article proposes the novel integrated optimization method of planning and scheduling based on improved collaborative optimization. An integrated model of planning and scheduling with collaborative optimization structure is established, and the detailed solution strategy of the novel integrated optimization algorithm is presented. At last, the simulation results show that the proposed integration algorithm of planning and scheduling is competitive in global optimization and practicality.
A dynamic processing methodology of manufacturing data for the automated throughput analysis in cyber-physical production environment
Authors: Kang Hyoung Seok , Lee Ju Yeon , Noh Sang Do
Published: April 2019

Various studies have been conducted on cyber-physical production systems (CPPS), a core technology for the implementation of smart manufacturing. However, existing studies are mostly conceptual or at an early stage, such as the proposal of a reference architecture. To achieve the practical implementation of CPPS, a systematic methodology for the collection, processing, and application of the data for CPPS is required. This is because CPPS can be successfully implemented only when processing criteria and application methods for the diverse data that change in real time because of the nature of a manufacturing shop floor are presented. Various technologies and systems have been developed for collecting raw data from a shop floor, but they are mainly focused on the automation of manufacturing. Thus, more detailed and systematic research is required for more efficient application of such technologies using a cyber model, which is the core of CPPS. For this purpose, in this article, a logic-based systematic methodology that can generate a throughput analysis model from the real-time data of a shop floor in a CPPS environment was proposed. Furthermore, logics that perform the Mapping, Scaling, and Calibration of the data of the shop floor into the machine, process, and factory levels were developed and their application to throughput analysis was described through a case study. The results of this study are expected to facilitate the practical implementation of CPPS and contribute to the successful implementation of smart manufacturing and the resultant revival of the manufacturing industry.
MRI Assessment of Degeneration of the Tendon in Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Bäcker Henrik C. , Wong Tony T. , Vosseller J. Turner
Published: April 2019

Background:

The extent of tendinosis along the entire tendon in Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) has not previously been assessed. MR images of acute ATRs were evaluated to assess this extent, even in areas distant from the rupture.

Methods:

Patients who had MR images for an ATR were reviewed. Each tendon was divided into a proximal, middle, and distal segment with the full tendon length defined as the length measured from the myotendinous junction to the insertion. The site of tendon rupture, presence of tendinosis and/or additional tearing, and largest anteroposterior (AP) diameter in the remaining segments were noted. In total, 45 MR iamges were included in our study.

Results:

The mean total tendon length was 9.93 cm, while the length from the insertion to the tear was 5.86 cm. Of the 45 ruptures, 20 (44.4%) were in the proximal third, 19 (42.2%) in the middle third, and 6 (13.3%) in the distal third. In all remaining segments where no ruptured tendon was observed, tendinosis was seen. Further, of the 90 segments of a tendon without rupture, 87 (96.7%) had an AP diameter greater than 6 mm. Of those 90 segments without rupture, 24 (26.7%) had a secondary partial-thickness tear in another third.

Conclusion:

Tendinosis is a known precursor of an ATR that in the current study was not limited to the area of rupture. The finding of extensive tendon degeneration may have implications for the optimal surgical treatment.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
My Childhood Neighborhood: A Critical Autoethnography
Authors: Barak Adi
Published: April 2019

In this autoethnography, I explore my childhood neighborhood through the intersection of history, memory, performance, and meaning. Understanding my neighborhood as part of the Zionist endeavor, and with the help of Le Corbusier’s “Modulor,” I engage in a series of dialogues with critical theory that seems to offer politicized ways of understanding it. However, I also engage in critical conversations with myself, or with family members who insist on a different view. This journey results in questioning some of critical theory’s perspectives on oppression and resistance. Multiplicity is then explored as a space of possibilities and potential.
Insider and Outsider Research: Negotiating Self at the Edge of the Emic/Etic Divide
Authors: Beals Fiona , Kidman Joanna , Funaki Hine
Published: April 2019

Qualitative research is a process of storytelling, but whose story are we telling and from what perspective? We examine Kenneth Pike’s work on emic and etic approaches to qualitative inquiry and explore how, over time, etic has come to refer to settler-colonial research while emic is seen as relating to Othered life-worlds outside academia. Researchers from marginalized communities often struggle to occupy the etic space of the academy and the emic space of their research. Using concepts of edgewalking and edgework, we argue that another space is available at the edge between emic and etic where transformative research can occur.
Safety analysis of long-term phenazopyridine use for radiation cystitis
Authors: Shore Stephanie N , Britnell Sara R , Brown Jamie N
Published: April 2019

Background

Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic indicated for short-term treatment of irritation in the lower urinary tract. Despite the lack of evidence for extended use, it is often used in varying durations for supportive care for cancer patients with radiation-induced cystitis. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of adverse drug reactions in patients with radiation cystitis receiving long-term phenazopyridine (>14-day supply) compared to a matched comparator group.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compared adverse events among cancer patients with and without phenazopyridine exposure. Included patients received radiation and at least one chronic medication between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2017. The phenazopyridine group also received >14-day supply of phenazopyridine during the study period. Patients were matched based on gender, age (±5 years), cancer diagnosis, and palliative or curative treatment intent. Data collection occurred at baseline, during the time of presumed exposure, and through the end of the study period for surveillance purposes.

Results

A total of 272 patients received phenazopyridine for >14-day supply during the study period. Of these, 90 patients were included and matched to an equal number of patients in the comparator group. The included patients were similar between groups and were largely male with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Most patients received between a 30- and 60-day supply of phenazopyridine. There were a total of 13 adverse drug reactions in the phenazopyridine group and 18 in the comparator group ( p = 0.32). No differences were identified between the phenazopyridine and comparator groups for the incidence of individual adverse drug reactions, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or new diagnoses of hepatocellular or colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

There was no difference in adverse drug reactions among patients receiving phenazopyridine for >14 days compared to a matched comparator group. The overall incidence of adverse events in both groups was low.
Comparing Recidivism of Sexual and Nonsexual Offenders: The Role of Humanist, Spiritual, and Religious Involvement
Authors: Stansfield Richard , O’Connor Thomas , Duncan Jeff , Hall Steve
Published: April 2019

Some research has considered whether faith-informed programs help persons with a previous incarceration navigate a life away from crime. Few studies considered whether offense category moderates this relationship. Building upon studies that found a strong association between a prior sexual conviction and participation in religion in prison, we assess whether time spent in humanist, spiritual, and religious (HSR) programs in prison is associated with reconviction, separately for persons convicted of a sex offense and any other offense. Our results revealed that a higher level of participation in HSR programs was associated with a lower likelihood and rate of reconviction; however, this effect was more pronounced for persons with a prior sexual conviction. Supplementary analyses revealed that the use of religion in an extrinsic manner was beneficial, suggesting this group may look to religion to gain social support and overcome rejection and loneliness. Extrinsic religiosity among other groups, however, was associated with an increased risk of reconviction.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Nonconsciously Processed Ambient Scents in a Servicescape: Findings From Two Field Experiments
Authors: Girard Anna , Lichters Marcel , Sarstedt Marko , Biswas Dipayan
Published: April 2019

Ambient scents are being increasingly used in different service environments. While there is emerging research on the effects of scents, almost nothing is known about the long-term effects of consumers’ repeated exposure to ambient scents in a service environment as prior studies on ambient scents have been lab or field studies examining short-term effects of scent exposure only. Addressing this limitation, we examine the short- and long-term effects of ambient scents. Specifically, we present a conceptual framework for the short- and long-term effects of nonconsciously processed ambient scent in olfactory-rich servicescapes. We empirically test this framework with the help of two large-scale field experiments, conducted in collaboration with a major German railway company, in which consumers were exposed to a pleasant, nonconsciously processed scent. The first experiment demonstrates ambient scent’s positive short-term effects on consumers’ service perceptions. The second experiment—a longitudinal study conducted over a 4-month period—examines scent’s long-term effects on consumers’ reactions and demonstrates that the effects persist even when the scent has been removed from the servicescape.
Bending and free vibration analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates: An assessment of the Refined Zigzag Theory
Authors: Di Sciuva Marco , Sorrenti Matteo
Published: April 2019

The paper presents a numerical assessment of the performance of the Refined Zigzag Theory to the analysis of bending (deflection and stress distributions) and free vibration of functionally graded material plates, monolayer and sandwich, under a set of different boundary conditions. The numerical assessment is performed comparing results from Refined Zigzag Theory using Ritz method with those from 3D, quasi-3D, and 2D theories and finite element method. In the framework of 2D theories, equivalent single-layer theories of different orders (sinusoidal, hyperbolic, inverse-hyperbolic, third-order shear deformation theory, first-order shear deformation theory, and classical plate theory) have been used to investigate deformation, stresses, and free vibration and compared with results from the Refined Zigzag Theory. After validating the convergence characteristics and the numerical accuracy of the developed approach using orthogonal admissible functions, a detailed parametric numerical investigation is carried out. Bending under transverse pressure and free vibration of functionally graded material square and rectangular plates of a different aspect ratio under various combinations of geometry (core-to-face sheet thickness ratio and plate to thickness ratio), boundary conditions and law of variation of volume fraction constituent in the thickness direction (power-law functionally graded material, exponential law functionally graded material, and sigmoidal-law functionally graded material) is studied. Monolayer and sandwich plates with homogeneous core and functionally graded face sheets are considered for the assessment. It is concluded that the Refined Zigzag Theory generally predicts the global (deflection and frequencies) and local (displacement and stress distributions) response of functionally graded material sandwich plates, more accurately than first-order shear deformation theory and third-order shear deformation theory, while retaining its simplicity.
Noise levels during total hip arthroplasty: the silent health hazard
Authors: Hawi Nael , Alazzawi Sulaiman , Schmitz Alfred , Kreibich Thomas , Gehrke Thorsten , Kendoff Daniel , Haasper Carl
Published: April 2019

Background:

While there is an enormous amount of data on various surgical aspects of total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is only limited literature on the health hazards incurred by the surgical team. Since THA surgery produces noise, exposure over a long period of time may lead to gradual hearing loss which is known as noise-induced hearing loss.

Methods:

We investigated the noise levels during THA and compared it with the maximum allowed limits at the workplace in the United Kingdom. In collaboration with specialised audio engineers, we analysed the noise levels during various steps of performing 7 uncemented THA.

Results:

The results showed that the noise levels were close to the allowed limits for a workplace in the UK.

Conclusion:

Hospitals and staff who work in orthopaedic operating theatres should be aware of this risk and precautions should be put in place.
Direct superior approach with standard instrumentation for total hip arthroplasty: safety and efficacy in a prospective 200-case series
Authors: Tsiridis Eleftherios , Kenanidis Eustathios , Potoupnis Michael , Sayegh Fares E
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Direct Superior Approach (DSA) is a muscle sparing approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) implemented using special instrumentation. There is a lack of information in the literature concerning DSA with standard instrumentation.

Materials and methods:

238 patients were recruited for primary THA by a single surgeon from January 2016 until May 2017. 209 patients underwent THA through DSA approach with non-offset acetabular reamers and femoral broaches. We evaluated accuracy of implantation, complications and early functional results. Independent orthopaedic surgeons performed the clinical and radiographic assessments.

Results:

200 patients were followed for a year. 3 different implants were used. No sciatic nerve palsies, hip dislocations or fractures were recorded. There was one acute deep and superficial wound infection. The mean functional score was significantly improved at all follow-ups ( p < 0.001). 97% of stems were inserted into the neutral coronal and 96% in neutral sagittal alignment. All cups fell within a safe zone of inclination and 91% of anteversion. 2 hips demonstrated heterotopic ossification, Brooker class I. Obese patients had no increased risk of complications.

Conclusions:

DSA with standard instrumentation is safe and efficacious for THA. It offers fast recovery and facilitates correct implantation of different implants, can be useful even for hip dysplasia and obese patients with minimal complication rates.
Forearm loop arteriovenous grafts preserve and may create new upper arm access sites
Authors: Itoga Nathan K , Virgin-Downy Whitt , Mell Matthew W
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

This study evaluated the mid-term patency of forearm loop arteriovenous grafts and the dilation of previously inadequate upper arm basilic and cephalic veins after failed forearm loop arteriovenous graft.

Methods:

All access procedures from September 2009 to December 2015 were reviewed. Vein mapping measurements were used to determine whether there was “adequate” upper arm cephalic and/or basilic vein, defined as ⩾3 mm by duplex ultrasound, at the time of forearm loop arteriovenous graft creation. Outcomes of forearm loop arteriovenous graft were compared with upper arm arteriovenous fistula, and primary and cumulative patencies were evaluated.

Results:

Thirty-eight forearm loop arteriovenous grafts and 278 upper arm arteriovenous fistulas were created. In the forearm loop arteriovenous graft cohort, nine were inserted with adequate upper arm vein, group A, and 29 were inserted with inadequate upper arm vein, group B. Cumulative patency was lower for forearm loop arteriovenous graft compared with upper arm arteriovenous fistula at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years (67% vs 91%, 61% vs 85%, and 49% vs 80%, respectively, P < .01). Comparison of group A forearm loop arteriovenous graft and upper arm arteriovenous fistula did not show a statistical difference in cumulative patency at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years (P = .80, .62, and .70, respectively). Of group B with failed forearm loop arteriovenous graft, 36% became candidates for upper arm arteriovenous fistula with dilation of ipsilateral upper arm cephalic or basilic vein to ⩾3 mm.

Conclusion:

In this study, forearm loop arteriovenous graft with adequate upper arm vein did not show a statistical difference in mid-term patencies compared with upper arm arteriovenous fistula. For those forearm loop arteriovenous grafts with inadequate upper arm vein, approximately one-third of patients became candidates for upper arm arteriovenous fistula demonstrating the benefits forearm loop arteriovenous graft.
The Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Performance After Stroke: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Pallesen Hanne , Bjerk Maria , Pedersen Asger Roer , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk , Evald Lars
Published: April 2019

Background:

Aerobic exercise is an effective treatment to improve aerobic capacity following stroke and might also improve cognitive impairments in sub-acute stroke survivors. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of high-intensity aerobic exercise on cognitive impairments in sub-acute stroke survivors.

Methods:

A pilot, randomised controlled trial on the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive impairments of stroke patients in the sub-acute (1-3 months) phase was conducted. Thirty patients with moderate cognitive impairments (maximum score of 5 on at least two items on the cognitive subscales of the Functional Independence Measure [FIM]) were included in the study and randomly assigned to either the intervention group – performing high-intensity aerobic exercise (above 70% of maximum heart rate), or the control group – performing low-intensity aerobic exercise (below 60%). Patients in both groups exercised for 50 min twice a week for 4 weeks. Primary neuropsychological outcome: Trail Making Test B.

Results:

Thirty stroke patients completed the interventions. The results showed that the high-intensity group, compared with the low-intensity group, achieved significant improvements on Trail Making Test B, which assesses processing speed and divided attention ( P = .04 after training and P = .01 at follow-up). However, the significant improvements on Trail Making Test B might relate to a ceiling effect in the control group.

Conclusions:

This study does not provide evidence to support that aerobic exercise can improve cognition in stroke survivors, even though significant improvement was revealed on the primary outcome in sub-acute stroke survivors following high-intensity aerobic exercise compared with low-intensity general exercise.
The impact of multidimensional country distances on consumption of specialty products: A case study of inbound tourists to Japan
Authors: Li Xi , Katsumata Sotaro
Published: April 2019

This study adapts and extends the cultural, administrative, geographic, and economic distance framework. The framework was proposed in the field of international business studies to examine the effect of distances between home and host countries on tourist preference for specialty products. We proposed four hypotheses based on segmentation and distance studies and conducted an empirical analysis of a questionnaire survey of 4474 foreign tourists from 49 different countries and regions visiting Japan. The results suggest that the four dimensions of distance have different impacts on the purchasing behavior of tourists. Moreover, the quadratic model results further suggest the existence of an optimal point of distance. In the discussion, we proposed effective segmentation strategies to increase inbound tourism.
Experience with telepathology in combination with diagnostic assistance systems in countries with restricted resources
Authors: Fritz Peter , Kleinhans Andreas , Hubler Monika , Rokai Raoufi , Firooz Haroon , Sediqi Atiq , Khachatryan Anna , Sotoudeh Kambiz , Mamunts David , Desai Munaf , Omer Mohamed , Kunze Dietmar , Hinsch Nora , Jundt Gernot , Dalquen Peter , Ott German , Aboud Al Alaboud , Alscher Mark-Dominik , Stauch Gerhard
Published: April 2019

Introduction

We describe the use of telepathology in countries with restricted resources using two diagnosis assistance systems (Isabel and Memem7) in addition to the diagnoses made by experts in pathology via the iPath-Network.

Methods

A total of 156 cases, largely from Afghanistan, were analysed; 18 cases had to be excluded because of poor image quality.

Results

Of the remaining 138 cases (100%), a responsible physician provided a tentative diagnosis for 61.6% of them. With a diagnosis from a consultant pathologist, it was then possible to make a definite diagnosis in 84.8% of cases on the basis of images taken from hematoxylin and eosin staining sections alone. The use of the diagnosis assistance systems resulted in an ordered list of differential diagnoses in 82.6% (IsabelHealth) and in 74.6% (Memem7) of cases, respectively. Adding morphological terminology reduced the list of possible diagnoses to 52.2% (72 cases, Memem7), but improved their quality.

Discussion

In summary, diagnosis assistance systems are promising approaches to provide physicians in countries with restricted resources with lists of probable differential diagnoses, thus increasing the plausibility of the diagnosis of the consultant pathologist.
Optimal vibration control of moving-mass beam systems with uncertainty
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Wang YuanSheng , Ren XingMin
Published: April 2019

A linear optimal regulator for uncertain system is designed through the application of the probability density evolution method to linear quadratic regulator controller. One important background of this work is bridge-vehicle/gun-projectile system. This type of optimal problem is currently transformed into a moving load problem. The developed optimal regulator can provide the law of probability densities of outputs varying with time. In order to make the advocated method reach an optimal performance, the beneficial weighting matrix pair (Q, R) is selected using a trade-off sense. The designed regulator is then applied to a coupled simply supported beam-moving mass system, choosing the mid-span deflection as an output response and considering stochastic system parameters. The numerical example shows that the robustness of the proposed optimal regulator cannot be overestimated in comparison with a deterministic linear quadratic regulator controller. Further, the proposed method can produce an efficient solution channel for modern optimal control theory, especially, when compared with different uncertain optimal control techniques.
A longitudinal study of choroidal changes following cataract surgery in patients with diabetes
Authors: Yip Vivien Cherng-Hui , Laude Augustinus , Tan Kara Anne , Ding Jianbin , Wong Elizabeth , Agrawal Rupesh
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To study the structural changes in the choroid of diabetic patients following cataract surgery, using choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness.

Methods:

A prospective case–control study was conducted in 18 diabetic and 18 non-diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) in one eye. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography images were obtained before and after surgery. Niblack’s image binarization of images was performed to derive the choroidal vascularity index. Independent sample T-test compared the differences of choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Results:

The baseline choroidal vascularity index was significantly lower in diabetic patients for both operated (mean difference vs non-diabetic: 0.0184, 95% CI: 0.004–0.0324, p = 0.012) and non-operated (mean difference vs non-diabetic: 0.0145, 95% CI: 0.003–0.0256, p = 0.012) eyes. Choroidal thickness increased following cataract surgery (diabetes: mean difference = 12.4, 95% CI: 0.70–24.0, adjusted p = 0.036; non-diabetic: mean difference = 21.0, 95% CI: 4.39–37.6, adjusted p = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Diabetic patients have reduced choroidal vascularity index than non-diabetic patients, suggestive of possible reduction in choroidal vascularity in diabetes. Choroidal thickness increased following cataract surgery in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Kideogames: Reimagining the Fringe of Literary Studies as the Forefront
Authors: Reay Emma
Published: April 2019

The absence of children’s texts and ludic texts from traditional literary canons, curricula, journals, and conferences might appear obvious, practical, and natural—a straightforward reflection of theoretical and methodological divergence, and of the way texts are grouped outside of academic study. However, these seemingly self-evident explanations do not hold up under scrutiny. In this article, I posit that the omission of children’s texts and ludic texts from well-developed scholarly contexts is partly rooted in the ideological collocation of “children,” “play,” and “low culture.” I compare the strategies used by children’s literature studies and games studies to manage their marginalization and conclude that irrespective of the quality, the variety, the relevance, and the impact of research conducted within these two disciplines, neither will find a permanent home in the serious, sophisticated, “adults-only” space of the literature faculty. I ask whether this is necessarily a problem, and suggest that - when consciously embraced - the lightness of illegitimacy may be a potent as the heft of tradition. Finally, I advocate for an intersectional alliance between children's literature studies and games studies and explore some of the ways in which this kind of academic solidarity might counter the marginalizing effects of infantilization.
Intelligent recognition of the patterns of yarn-dyed fabric based on LSRT images
Authors: Li Zhongjian , Meng Shuo , Wang Lei , Zhang Ning , Gao Weidong
Published: April 2019

In this article, an intelligent inspection method based on image analysis is proposed to identify the color and woven pattern of yarn-dyed fabric automatically. The local sequence images under the reflected light and transmitted light (LSRT images), which consist of reflection sequence images and transmission sequence images, are first captured by a fabric image acquisition device. Then the Fourier transform, image segmentation, and arithmetic operations are employed to the transmission sequence images to determine the location of weave points. Subsequently, the L* a* b* values of each weave point are extracted from the reflection sequence images. To inspect the color pattern, X-means clustering algorithm is used to classify the weave points based on the L* a* b* values. To detect the woven pattern, incomplete weave pattern matrixes of all sequence images are used to match the weave pattern database. Eight LSRT images of each yarn-dyed fabric sample are tested by the proposed method. The experimental results proved that the proposed method can recognize the color and weave pattern of yarn-dyed fabric with satisfactory accuracy and good robustness.
Changes in the Proliferation Rate, Clonogenicity, and Radiosensitivity of Cultured Cells During and After Continuous Low-Dose-Rate Irradiation
Authors: Wang Zhen , Sugie Chikao , Nakashima Masahiro , Kondo Takuhito , Iwata Hiromitsu , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: April 2019

We investigated the effects of continuous low-dose radiation on proliferation, clonogenicity, radiosensitivity, and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in human salivary gland (HSG) tumor cells. Human salivary gland cells were cultured on acrylic boards above very-low-dose (4.3 μSv/h) or low-dose (27 μSv/h) radiation-emitting sheets or without sheets. Total cell numbers and plating efficiencies were compared among the 3 groups every 1 or 2 weeks until 6 weeks after starting culture. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks, surviving fractions of HSG cells after irradiation at 2 to 8 Gy cultured on the very-low-dose or low-dose sheets were compared to those of the control. At 4 weeks, HSG cells irradiated at 2 Gy were assessed for phosphorylated histone (γH2AX) foci formation, and DSBs were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in total cell number or plating efficiencies with or without low-dose-emitting sheets. The surviving fractions after irradiation of the very-low-dose group at 2 to 6 weeks and those of the low-dose group at 2 to 4 weeks were higher than those of the control ( P < .01). Thus, a radioadaptive response was clearly demonstrated. From the γH2AX foci quantification, the adaptive responses were considered to be associated with the efficient repair of DSB, especially slow repair, in this cell line.
Identifying and Addressing Individuals Resistant to Behavioral Lifestyle Treatment
Authors: Arlinghaus Katherine R. , Johnston Craig A.
Published: April 2019

The prevention and treatment of lifestyle disease involves overlapping factors. Those at the highest risk for the development of lifestyle disease are also at the highest risk for poor treatment outcomes. Although behavioral treatment of lifestyle disease has demonstrated efficacy on average, considerable individual variation exists in treatment response. In clinical settings, individuals unresponsive to treatment are typically provided escalated care. Community-based care is designed to reach high-risk populations unlikely to seek medical care. However, in community settings escalated treatment options are not usually available for individuals unresponsive to treatment. Addressing this gap is imperative to improve health outcomes of high-risk populations and to identify individuals who may be resistant to behavioral lifestyle treatment.
Research on thermal state diagnosis of substation equipment based on infrared image
Authors: Wang Yuanbin , Yin Yang , Ren Jieying
Published: April 2019

In thermal state diagnosis of substation equipment, problems such as low precision and slow speed usually exist. Aiming at the problems, an improved diagnostic scheme is proposed in this article. First, an infrared weak target extraction method based on local variance mapping and genetic algorithm threshold calculation is used to segment the region with abnormal thermal state in the equipment. Then the relationship between image gray parameters and temperature parameters of equipment region is established, and the improved relative temperature difference method is implemented to complete the classification and diagnosis of the thermal state of the equipment, and the abnormal area of the thermal state is captured and positioned at the same time. The experiment results show that the extraction accuracy and efficiency of the abnormal thermal area are improved based on the proposed scheme, which improves the fault tolerance of the thermal state diagnosis of the equipment and further ensures the operational stability of the substation and the entire power system.