bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACA Medicaid Expansion Associated With Increased Medicaid Participation and Improved Health Among Near-Elderly: Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: McInerney Melissa , Winecoff Ruth , Ayyagari Padmaja , Simon Kosali , Bundorf M. Kate
Published: July 2020

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) dramatically expanded health insurance, but questions remain regarding its effects on health. We focus on older adults for whom health insurance has greater potential to improve health and well-being because of their greater health care needs relative to younger adults. We further focus on low-income adults who were the target of the Medicaid expansion. We believe our study provides the first evidence of the health-related effects of ACA Medicaid expansion using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Using geo-coded data from 2010 to 2016, we estimate difference-in-differences models, comparing changes in outcomes before and after the Medicaid expansion in treatment and control states among a sample of over 3,000 unique adults aged 50 to 64 with income below 100% of the federal poverty level. The HRS allows us to examine morbidity outcomes not available in administrative data, providing evidence of the mechanisms underlying emerging evidence of mortality reductions due to expanded insurance coverage among the near-elderly. We find that the Medicaid expansion was associated with a 15 percentage point increase in Medicaid coverage which was largely offset by declines in other types of insurance. We find improvements in several measures of health including a 12% reduction in metabolic syndrome; a 32% reduction in complications from metabolic syndrome; an 18% reduction in the likelihood of gross motor skills difficulties; and a 34% reduction in compromised activities of daily living (ADLs). Our results thus suggest that the Medicaid expansion led to improved physical health for low-income, older adults.
Coal char characteristics variation in the gasification process and its influencing factors
Authors: Yin Zhenyong , Xu Hao , Chen Yanpen , Zhao Tiantian
Published: July 2020

Underground coal gasification is a burgeoning coal exploitation technique that coal is directly converted into gaseous fuel by controlled combustion. In this paper, the gasification experiments of Inner Mongolia lignite, Xinjiang subbituminous coal, and Hancheng medium volatile bitumite were conducted respectively by using the tube furnace coal gasification experiment system. The gasification process was conducted under 3°C/min increment within the range of 600–900°C. The gas composition was analyzed by gas chromatography and the pore structure of the coal char was detected by low-temperature N2 adsorption. The results show that the gasification temperature, gasification agent, and coal type have an important influence on the gasification reaction. With the increase of gasification temperature, the effective component, gas calorific value, and gas production rate increase. When CO2 is used as the gasifying agent, the effective components in the gas are mainly CO. When H2O(g) is used as the gasifying agent, the effective component of gas is H2. The coal gasification performance with low thermal maturity is obvious better than the high rank coal with higher coalification. N2 adsorption–desorption experiments show that the pore is mainly composed by transition pore and the micropores, the specific surface area is chiefly controlled by a pore size of 2–3 nm. With the increase of coalification degree, the adsorption amount, specific surface area, and total pore volume show a decreasing trend. The gasifying agent has a great influence on the pore structure of the coal char. The gasification effect of H2O (g) is significantly better than that of CO2. Analyzing the gasification characteristics and pore changes of different coal rank coals under different gasification agents, we found that Inner Mongolia lignite is more conducive to the transport of gasification agents and gaseous products in coal.
Trust Consensus Within Culturally Diverse Teams: A Multistudy Investigation
Authors: de Jong Bart , Gillespie Nicole , Williamson Ian , Gill Carol
Published: July 2020

Despite tremendous progress toward understanding trust within teams, research has predominately conceptualized team trust as a shared group construct, focusing almost exclusively on trust magnitude (i.e., mean level of trust) while ignoring trust dispersion (i.e., within-team differences in trust). As a result, we know little about this critical property of team trust, its determinants, and independent impact on team outcomes. We address this limitation by examining “team trust consensus”—a configural group construct capturing the extent to which team members share their levels of trust in the team—as a variable of theoretical and empirical interest in its own right. Cross-sectional data from a work team sample (Study 1, N = 120) provide initial support for our propositions that national culture diversity negatively affects trust consensus and that trust consensus positively affects team performance. Expanding on these findings, we propose a contingency model in which the negative impact of national culture diversity is mitigated by team virtuality and collective leadership. Multiwave data from an MBA team sample (Study 2, N = 95) offer support for these propositions and replicate the positive direct effect of trust consensus on team performance. Our findings indicate trust consensus is an important predictor of team performance and provide unique insight into the factors that jointly influence trust consensus within teams.
“Calm Down,” “Cheer Up”: How Age Influences the Way We Manage Emotion in Social Partners
Authors: Jarman Ruth E. , Windsor Tim D.
Published: July 2020

This study examines how individuals (regulators) manage emotion in their social partners (targets) and whether the age of the regulator or the age of the target influences extrinsic emotion regulation strategy preference. An online questionnaire was used to assess extrinsic emotion regulation among 580 participants aged 18–87 years ( M = 50.04, SD = 18.13). Participants (regulators) indicated the extent to which they would be likely to use different strategies when interacting with a younger or older target who was upset. Results of multi-level modeling showed that older regulators endorsed less use of situation modification than younger regulators, but age differences in regulators’ use of other strategies were not significant. After adjustment for relationship-specific covariates, regulators endorsed less use of attentional deployment and cognitive change, for older targets than younger targets. Results are discussed in the context of lifespan perspectives on social behavior and emotion regulation.
Telemedicine in Minority and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Communities Amidst COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Ramirez Arianna Victoria , Ojeaga Macaulay , Espinoza Victor , Hensler Blake , Honrubia Vincent
Published: July 2020

In the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic, many otolaryngology practices worldwide have chosen to shift their consultations from in‐person to telemedicine. The addition of the telemedicine model has allowed many physicians to resume their clinical duties while maintaining social distancing. Access to telemedicine generally relies on the patient’s ability to obtain and use technology—factors that are usually dictated by age, education, and socioeconomic status. The Rio Grande Valley, the home of the South Texas Sinus Institute, is a border community situated on the southern tip of Texas. The population is predominantly Hispanic, Spanish speaking, and of a lower socioeconomic level. The aim of this commentary is to describe the effects of the transition to telemedicine in a vulnerable community and the possible improvements that could be made to facilitate access to this resource.
Prevalence and predictors of postoperative peritoneal dialysis in infants
Authors: Caesario Michael , Fakhri Dicky , Busro Pribadi Wiranda , Purba Salomo , Fitria Liza , Rahmat Budi
Published: July 2020

Background

Data regarding predictors of the eventual need for postoperative peritoneal dialysis in infants undergoing open heart surgery is still limited. We aimed to determine whether prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, surgical complexity classified according to Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category, younger age, and lower body weight increase the probability of requiring postoperative peritoneal dialysis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of 181 infants who underwent open heart surgery at our institution from January 1 to December 31, 2018. Cardiopulmonary bypass time, Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category, age, body weight, and the need for postoperative peritoneal dialysis were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Thirteen (7.2%) of the 181 patients required postoperative peritoneal dialysis. This group was found to have a longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, younger age, and lower body weight. Longer cardiopulmonary bypass time ( p = 0.001), higher Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category ( p = 0.018), younger age ( p < 0.001), and lower body weight ( p < 0.001) significantly increased the risk of postoperative peritoneal dialysis.

Conclusion

Longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, more complex surgery, younger age, and lower body weight increase the probability of requiring postoperative peritoneal dialysis in infants undergoing open heart surgery.
A Proposal on Developing a 360° Agile Organizational Structure by Superimposing Matrix Organizational Structure with Cross-functional Teams
Authors: Kiruba Nagini R.  , Devi S. Uma , Mohamed Sayed
Published: July 2020

With the growing business opportunities and expanding boundaries, the organizational structure of the companies is becoming highly dynamic with several levels flattened out and branching out horizontally, instead of being vertical. With agility required in all fast-evolving organizations, it is essential to check out for the suitability of the modern organizational structures prevalent, being classified by Mintzberg as ‘entrepreneurial or simple structure, machine bureaucracy, professional bureaucracy, divisional form, and adhocracy or innovative’ (Mintzberg, 1980; Lunenburg, 2012).

In this article, we propose a 360° Agile organizational structure which is a hybrid of the matrix organizational structure superimposed with cross-functional teams (CFTs). This article discusses the possibilities of forming smaller teams without compromising the incidence of the essential ‘skills– talents–competencies’, necessary for every single project, thereby superimposing the matrix organizational structure and the CFTs. This article also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of this proposed organizational structure. A possible cross-check with regard to the scalability issues has also been made with the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) agile HR practices.
Populism and President Trump’s approach to foreign policy: An analysis of tweets and rally speeches
Authors: Lacatus Corina
Published: July 2020

Much like his candidacy, Donald Trump’s presidency has been described as populist par excellence and as fundamentally breaking with the liberal internationalist tradition of American foreign policy. Despite a growing interest in populism and the role it has played in shaping Donald Trump’s appeal to the public at election time in 2016, we lack an understanding of how populist rhetoric after his electoral victory shaped his approach to foreign policy. This article proposes a study of President Trump’s official campaign communication through rally speeches and Twitter during the 2 months prior to the mid-term election in November 2018 as well as tweets published in the official personal account @realDonaldTrump from September to November 2018. The analysis finds that resurgent Jacksonian populism promoted by the Tea Party shapes President Trump’s approach to foreign policy. Fundamentally anti-elitist, Trump’s populism opposes migration, multilateralism, and is deeply sceptical of the United States’ capacity to support a liberal global order that he perceives as detrimental to the economic interest of the American people. In addition, the analysis finds inconsistencies between his campaign discourse of non-intervention in military conflicts abroad and his foreign policy action.
Trump talk: Rethinking elections, rhetoric, and American foreign policy
Authors: Skonieczny Amy
Published: July 2020

This special issue on elections, rhetoric, and American Foreign policy brings to light how and why ‘talk’ matters particularly in foreign policy. While not all of the articles examine President Trump directly, the special issue situates itself in what can be seen as a new era, brought on by Trump, that is, rewriting the rules of rhetoric and elections, and challenging our assumptions about how they impact American foreign policy. By way of conclusion, I summarize what I see as the key contributions of the special issue and offer a critical claim that the authors do not go far enough in just how dramatically President Trump’s rhetoric is reshaping American domestic and international politics.
Safety of exercise therapy after acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Cires-Drouet Rafael S. , Mayorga-Carlin Minerva , Toursavadkohi Shahab , White Rachel , Redding Emily , Durham Frederick , Dondero Kathleen , Prior Steven J. , Sorkin John D. , Lal Brajesh K
Published: July 2020

Objective

The role of exercise therapy after acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. Exercise therapy is safely used after myocardial infarction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of exercise therapy after acute PE.

Methods

We implemented a 3-month exercise program after acute PE. Outcomes were death, bleeding, readmissions, recurrent events, changes in peak VO2 and quality of life (QoL).

Results

A total of 23 patients were enrolled and received anticoagulation; no adverse events were reported during the exercise period. One death, 1 DVT and 5 readmissions were reported due to non-exercise related reasons. Functional capacity improved as evidenced by an increased peak VO2 at 3 months (+3.9 ± 5.6 mL/kg/min; p = 0.05). Improvement in QoL was observed at 6-months on the functional (+17.0 ± 22.6, p = 0.03) and physical health factor scales (+0.9 ± 4.6, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Exercise therapy is feasible and safe in appropriately anticoagulated patients after PE.
Minimal clinically important difference and minimal detectable change of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) amongst patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Katajapuu Niina , Heinonen Ari , Saltychev Mikhail
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to estimate a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and a minimal detectable change (MDC) of the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 amongst patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Design:

Cross-sectional cohort study.

Setting:

Outpatient Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine clinic.

Subjects:

A total of 1988 consecutive patients with musculoskeletal pain.

Interventions:

A distribution-based approach was employed to estimate a minimal clinically important difference, a minimal detectable change, and a minimal detectable percent change (MDC%).

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 48 years, and 65% were women. The average intensity of pain was 6,3 (2.0) points (0–10 numeric rating scale) and the mean WHODAS 2.0 total score was 13 (9) points out of 48. The minimal clinically important difference ranged between 3.1 and 4.7 points. The minimal detectable change was 8.6 points and minimal detectable % change was unacceptably high 66%.

Conclusions:

Amongst patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 demonstrated a high minimal detectable change of almost nine points. As the minimal detectable change exceeded the level of minimal clinically important difference, nine points were considered to be the amount of change perceived by a respondent as clinically significant.
Demographic, Personality Trait and Personality Disorder Correlates of Aesthetic Motivation
Authors: Furnham Adrian
Published: July 2020

This study looked at personality and sub-clinical personality disorder correlates of self-rated motives for aesthetic motivation (AM). Two groups, totalling over 4000 adult British managers, completed three tests including a personality trait measure (HPI); a personality disorders measure (HDS), and a measure of their Motives and Values (MVPI) for Aestheticism and Culture. The two different groups had similar results, showing that for personality traits Inquisitiveness (Openness-to-Experience) and Sociability (Extraversion) were positively, and Adjustment (low Neuroticism) and Prudence (Conscientiousness) were negatively, related to AM. For personality disorder traits Imaginativeness (Schizotypy) and Colourful (Histrionic) were positively correlated with AM. Factor analysis confirmed the higher order classification of both traits and disorders. Regressions at the higher factor level suggested personality traits were more related to AM than disorder traits. Implications for the selection and management of aesthetic people are considered. Limitations and future directions are also noted.
Optimization of low-dose scan parameters in dual-energy computed tomography for displaying the anterior cruciate ligament
Authors: Bai Rui , Li Xiangdong , Li Rurui , He Xiaohua , Wen Zhibo
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study was performed to assess low-dose scan parameters in dual-energy computed tomography (CT) for displaying the anterior cruciate ligament.

Methods

Dual-energy CT scans with low and standard dose parameters, respectively, were performed in nine human knee joint specimens. Eighteen imaging data sets for cruciate ligament specimens were obtained and processed. Statistical analysis was performed for signal-to-noise ratios of the CT images and subjective scores.

Results

Comparable signal-to-noise ratios and subjective image quality scores by evaluators in dual-energy CT anterior cruciate ligament images between the low and standard-dose groups were observed.

Conclusion

Low-dose scan parameters do not compromise the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament imaging.
CDKN3 expression predicates poor prognosis and regulates adriamycin sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro
Authors: Dai Wei , Fang Shuo , Cai Guanhe , Dai Jialiang , Lin Guotai , Ye Qiurong , Miao Huilai , Chen Ming , Tan Xiaoyu , Chen Nianping , Liu Xiaoguang , Li Mingyi
Published: July 2020

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This study investigated the relationship between cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKN)3 and prognosis and pathological characteristics in HCC patients to determine whether it could be used as a prognostic factor and/or therapeutic target for HCC drug development.

Methods

We previously showed that CDKN3 is deregulated in HCC tumor samples. Here, bioinformatics analysis was used to assess the relationship between CDKN3 gene expression and the characteristics of HCC patients from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Additionally, CDKN3 expression was silenced by small interfering RNA to determine its effect on HCC cell proliferation and on HCC cell sensitivity to adriamycin chemotherapy.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis showed a negative correlation between CDKN3 expression and both disease-free survival and overall survival. CDKN3 silencing did not significantly suppress the proliferation of HCC cells, but did decrease their sensitivity to adriamycin.

Conclusions

CDKN3 may have a dual role during the development of HCC, and could be used as an independent prognostic factor and therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes of infective endocarditis between haemodialysis and non-haemodialysis patients in China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ju Ping , Liu Xuemei , Zhou Haiyan , Xue Feng
Published: July 2020

Objective

To clarify differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between patients with infective endocarditis (IE) receiving long-term haemodialysis (HD group) and those not receiving haemodialysis (non-HD group).

Methods

Medical records of patients with IE, admitted to hospital between January 2010 and December 2017, were retrospectively studied. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between HD and non-HD groups. Risk factors for IE were assessed by COX regression.

Results

Twenty-one HD and 143 non-HD patients were included. Predisposing heart conditions were more frequently observed in the non-HD versus HD group (90.9% versus 19.0%). Inappropriate antibiotic therapy rate before admission and proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus-associated IE was higher in the HD versus non-HD group. In the HD group, fewer patients underwent heart surgery (9.5% versus 51.7%), all-cause in-hospital mortality was higher (52.4% versus 21%), and survival rate was lower versus the non-HD group. COX regression analysis revealed that haemodialysis, use of central venous catheter (CVC) and inappropriate antibiotic therapy before admission increased IE mortality, while surgery improved long-term prognosis.

Conclusions

Haemodialysis patients with IE may have higher mortality and lower survival rates than patients with IE not receiving haemodialysis. Haemodialysis, use of CVC and inappropriate antibiotic therapy before admission may increase IE mortality. Surgery may improve long-term prognosis.
Positive effect of care bundles on patients with central venous catheter insertions at a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China
Authors: Sun Yuling , Bao Zhongying , Guo Yang , Yuan Xiaodong
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of care bundles on the prevention of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and improvement of patients’ experience.

Methods

In total, 212 patients with central venous catheter insertions were enrolled in this study. All patients were matched by sex, age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, body mass index, department, and catheter insertion site and were randomly divided into case and control groups (n = 106 each). The control group was given conventional care, and the case group was given care bundles including nurse education, hand hygiene, maximal sterile barrier precautions, bedside observation, and evaluation. The anxiety scores, hospitalization days, CRBSI rate, and degree of satisfaction with hospitalization were compared between the two groups.

Results

The patients’ mean self-rating anxiety scale score and self-rating depression scale score after nursing intervention were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group. The mean number of hospitalization days and CRBSI rate were significantly lower and the satisfaction rate was significantly higher in the case group.

Conclusion

Care bundles are essential for preventing CRBSI. They can improve patients’ psychological state and hospitalization satisfaction and reduce the hospitalization days.
Diagnostic value of miR-155 for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with sepsis
Authors: Wang Zhou-Feng , Yang Yu-Min , Fan Heng
Published: July 2020

Objective

We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of microRNA-155 (miR-155) for acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with sepsis.

Methods

In this prospective study, we used Spearman correlation analysis to investigate relationships between miR-155 expression and inflammatory factors, oxygenation ratio (PaO2/FiO2), and ALI/ARDS score, and used area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AU-ROC) to evaluate miR-155's diagnostic accuracy for ALI/ARDS in patients with sepsis.

Results

In total, 156 patients with sepsis were enrolled in our study, of which 41 had ALI and 32 had ARDS. miR-155 expression in plasma of patients with sepsis and ALI/ARDS was significantly higher than that of patients with sepsis but no ALI/ARDS. The miR-155 level in patients with sepsis and ALI/ARDS was positively correlated with interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and ALI/ARDS score, but negatively correlated with PaO2/FiO2. The AU-ROC of plasma miR-155 for diagnosis of sepsis with ALI/ARDS was 0.87, and plasma miR-155, IL-1β, and TNF-α had high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of sepsis with ALI/ARDS.

Conclusion

miR-155 is highly expressed in plasma of patients with septic ALI/ARDS; it is positively correlated with lung function and can be used for early diagnosis.
Cost Analysis of Driverless Truck Operations
Authors: Engholm Albin , Pernestål Anna , Kristoffersson Ida
Published: July 2020

Road freight transport is believed by many to be the first transport domain in which driverless (DL) vehicles will have a significant impact. However, in current literature almost no attention has been given to how the diffusion of DL trucks might occur and how it might affect the transport system. To make predictions on the market uptake and to model impacts of DL truck deployment, valid cost estimates of DL truck operations are crucial. In this paper, an analysis of costs and cost structures for DL truck operations, including indicative numerical cost estimates, is presented. The total cost of ownership for DL trucks compared with that for manually driven (MD) trucks has been analyzed for four different truck types (16-, 24-, 40-, and 64-ton trucks), for three scenarios reflecting pessimistic, intermediate, and optimistic assumptions on economic impacts of driving automation based on current literature. The results indicate that DL trucks may enable substantial cost savings compared with the MD truck baseline. In the base (intermediate) scenario, costs per 1,000 ton-kilometer decrease by 45%, 37%, 33%, and 29% for 16-, 24-, 40-, and 60-ton trucks, respectively. The findings confirm the established view in the literature that freight transport is a highly attractive area for DL vehicles because of the potential economic benefits.
Developing Highway Capacity Manual Capacity Adjustment Factors for Connected and Automated Traffic on Freeway Segments
Authors: Adebisi Adekunle , Liu Yan , Schroeder Bastian , Ma Jiaqi , Cesme Burak , Jia Anxi , Morgan Abby
Published: July 2020

Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) will undoubtedly transform many aspects of transportation systems in the future. In the meantime, transportation agencies must make investment and policy decisions to address the future needs of the transportation system. This research provides much-needed guidance for agencies about planning-level capacities in a CAV future and quantify Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) capacities as a function of CAV penetration rates and vehicle behaviors such as car-following, lane change, and merge. As a result of numerous uncertainties on CAV implementation policies, the study considers many scenarios including variations in parameters (including CAV gap/headway settings), roadway geometry, and traffic characteristics. More specifically, this study considers basic freeway, freeway merge, and freeway weaving segments in which various simulation scenarios are evaluated using two major CAV applications: cooperative adaptive cruise control and advanced merging. Data from microscopic traffic simulation are collected to develop capacity adjustment factors for CAVs. Results show that the existence of CAVs in the traffic stream can significantly enhance the roadway capacity (by as much as 35% to 40% under certain cases), not only on basic freeways but also on merge and weaving segments, as the CAV market penetration rate increases. The human driver behavior of baseline traffic also affects the capacity benefits, particularly at lower CAV market penetration rates. Finally, tables of capacity adjustment factors and corresponding regression models are developed for HCM implementation of the results of this study.
Evaluation method and platform of vibrational disturbance test for ventricular assist devices
Authors: Li Shu , Yan Juan , Wu Tingting , Hsu Po-Lin
Published: July 2020

Objective:

For ventricular assist devices utilizing levitation bearing technology, collision and wear of the rotor would occur if the bearing cannot resist disturbances from patient activities and vibration/shock impacts. The reliability of ventricular assist devices can be seriously affected, potentially impairing blood compatibility (e.g. thrombus generation) and threatening patient safety. In this article, we proposed a vibrational disturbance test protocol for ventricular assist devices.

Methods:

Two kinds of vibrational disturbances—translational and rotational—were defined and the disturbance levels determined as 6G and 10 rad/s per possible patient activity impact. A test platform was built according to the disturbance level requirements.

Results:

The test platform successfully generated the required disturbance. The vibration test evaluation criteria for ventricular assist device assistance (characterized by the pressure head, flow rate, and driving current waveform) were well verified.

Conclusion:

Compared with translational vibration, rotational vibration had a greater impact on the rotor. Accurate control of high-speed rotor is difficult because of the gyroscopic effect. As conventional random vibration tests cannot cover all risk situations, it is recommended that translational and rotational disturbance tests are carried out for levitation ventricular assist devices. We recommend that researchers and manufacturers pay attention to the vibrational impact of rotor-levitated ventricular assist devices.
Refining a Taxonomy of Goals for Older Adults With Functional Limitations and Their Caregivers to Inform Care Planning
Authors: Clair Catherine A. , Henry Maureen , Jennings Lee A. , Reuben David B. , Sandberg Shana F. , Giovannetti Erin R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to capture goals expressed by older adults with functional limitations and their caregivers. Methods: Through focus groups and interviews, 76 older adults with ≥1 activity of daily living limitation and 28 family/friend caregivers were asked about what mattered most to them and their goals for care. Transcripts were coded using an existing taxonomy. Goals that did not fit the taxonomy were assigned new codes. Results: We identified more than 50 goals in eight domains. Domains included (a) Medical Care; (b) Quality of Life: Physical; (c) Quality of Life: Social and Emotional; (d) Access to Services and Supports; (e) Caregiver Needs and Concerns; (f) End of Life; (g) Independence; and (h) Acceptable Housing. Conclusion: While there is overlap between identified goals and the existing taxonomy, new goals emerged. The goal domains identified could serve as a framework to improve and measure the quality of goal-oriented care for older adults with complex needs.
Countercurrent leaching of Ni, Co, Mn, and Li from spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Jian Yang , Yanqing Lai , Fangyang Liu , Ming Jia , Liangxing Jiang
Published: July 2020

This study focuses on a countercurrent leaching process (CLP) for the dissolution of high-value metals from cathode active material of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Its main aim is to improve the effective utilization of acid during leaching and allow for the continuous operation of the entire CLP by adjusting the process parameters. The overall recovery of lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn) was 98%, 95%, 95%, and 92%, respectively; the acid utilization of the leaching process exceeded 95% under optimum conditions. The optimum conditions for first stage leaching were 70 g/L solid–liquid (S/L) ratio at 40°C for 30 minutes, and 2.0 M sulfuric acid, 100 g/L S/L ratio, 7 g/L starch, at 85°C for 120 minutes for second stage leaching. After five bouts of circulatory leaching, more than 98% Li, 95% Co, 95% Ni, and 92% Mn were leached under the same leaching conditions. Furthermore, we introduced the Avrami equation to describe metal leaching kinetics from spent LIBs, and determined that the second stage leaching process was controlled by the diffusion rate. In this way, Li, Ni, Co, and Mn can be recovered efficiently and the excess acid in the leachate can be reused in this hydrometallurgical process, potentially offering economic and environmental benefits.
Turning the Lens Toward Emotions: Considering HIV-Positive Adolescent Mothers in South Africa
Authors: Adeagbo Morolake Josephine , Naidoo Kammila
Published: July 2020

The idea that adolescence, an important developmental stage in human life is embodied in emotions is not new. However, the association between adolescence, unplanned motherhood, and HIV infection, which often lead to unanticipated transitions, may influence a rethink toward understanding the emotional and mental states of adolescent mothers. Using a sociological lens, this article draws on the concept of “emotionality” and the importance of paying attention to “emotions” in offering analysis of the new reality, which HIV-positive adolescent mothers find themselves in South Africa. Specifically, this article shifts the social research focus from behavioral (e.g. sexual behaviors) research to exploring HIV-positive adolescent mothers’ feelings, thus paying heed to a subjective emotional landscape. Through an inductive thematic analysis, the emotional accounts and unifying themes extracted from 13 (10 HIV-positive adolescent mothers and three key informants) semistructured in-depth interviews present an understanding of the various needs of an emerging youthful generation living with HIV, rather than a narrow, conventional focus on costs, risks, and impending mortality.
Fast and slow ships from China: The speed of Dutch East Indiamen reconsidered
Authors: de Jong Johan
Published: July 2020

This article questions the commonly held assumption that the ships of the Dutch East India Company VOC were slower than those of other East India companies. Recently, Solar and De Zwart showed that Dutch ships were slower on outward voyages to a number of Asian destinations during the periods 1770–1775 and 1783–1792. They cited as plausible explanations differences in ship design resulting from constraints imposed by the Dutch shallow inland waterways and the slow adaptation of copper sheathing in the late eighteenth century. Research by the author of this article leads to a critical assessment of these explanations. Moreover, additional new research into homebound voyages from China undertaken by ships of four East India companies, for the periods 1730–1740, 1750–1755, 1770–1775 and 1783–1792, leads to the outcome that – concerning speed – Dutch ships could compete very well with those of the English, Swedish and Danish companies.
Seafaring Lives at the crossroads of Mediterranean maritime history
Authors: Delis Apostolos
Published: July 2020

This paper is about Seafaring Lives in Transition, Mediterranean Maritime Labour and Shipping, 1850s–1920s (SeaLiT), an international research project funded by the ERC Starting Grant 2016. SeaLiT started in February 2017 and has a duration of five years. The project explores the transition from sail to steam navigation and its effects on seafaring populations in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea between the 1850s and the 1920s. In the core of the project lie the effects of technological innovation on seafaring people and maritime communities, whose lives were drastically altered by the advent of steam. The project addresses the changes through the actors, seafarers, shipowners and their families, focusing on the adjustment of seafaring lives to a novel socio-economic reality. It investigates the maritime labour market, the evolving relations among shipowner, captain, crew and their local societies, life on board and ashore, as well as the development of new business strategies, trade routes and navigation patterns. The project offers a comparative perspective, investigating both collectivities and individuals, on board the ships and on shore in a number of big and small ports from Barcelona up to Odessa, in the Black Sea.
Maritime history: A new version of the old version and the true history of the sea
Authors: Harlaftis Gelina
Published: July 2020

The article provides a new version of Frank Broeze’s definition of maritime history by putting it in a framework of a sea. It gives a critical approach to the various histories of the seas and oceans that use the sea as a setting and not as a dynamic agent of change. It argues that the true history of the sea is a maritime history that entails maritime activities: on the sea (seamen, ships, navigation, sea trade, war, piracy); around the sea (maritime communities, islands, port cities, shipping, shipping-related, fishing and touristic businesses); in the sea (fishing, maritime resources, environment); because of the sea (maritime transport systems and entrepreneurial networks, maritime empires, international and national maritime institutions and policy); and about the sea (maritime culture and heritage, the ideology, myths and poems of a sea, the impact of the sea on art).
Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound, A Promising Diagnostic Technique: Review of the Literature and Single-Center Experience
Authors: Izzetti Rossana , Vitali Saverio , Aringhieri Giacomo , Nisi Marco , Oranges Teresa , Dini Valentina , Ferro Francesco , Baldini Chiara , Romanelli Marco , Caramella Davide , Gabriele Mario
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS) is a recently introduced diagnostic technique which finds several applications in diverse clinical fields. The range of frequencies between 30 and 100 MHz allows for high spatial resolution imaging of superficial structures, making this technique suitable for the imaging of skin, blood vessels, musculoskeletal anatomy, oral mucosa, and small parts. However, the current clinical applications of UHFUS have never been analyzed in a consistent multidisciplinary manner. The aim of this study is to revise and discuss the current applications of UHFUS in different aspects of research and clinical practice, as well as to provide some examples of the current work-in-progress carried out in our center.

Materials and Methods:

A literature search was performed in order to retrieve articles reporting the applications of UHFUS both in research and in clinical settings. Inclusion criteria were the use of frequencies above 30 MHz and study design conducted in vivo on human subjects.

Results:

In total 66 articles were retrieved. The majority of the articles focused on dermatological and vascular applications, although musculoskeletal and intraoral applications are emerging fields of use. We also describe our experience in the use of UHFUS as a valuable diagnostic support in the fields of dermatology, rheumatology, oral medicine, and musculoskeletal anatomy.

Conclusion:

Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography application involves an increasing number of medical fields. The high spatial resolution and the superb image quality achievable allow to foresee a wider use of this novel technique, which has the potential to bring innovation in diagnostic imaging.
Stress in Parents of Children With Genetically Determined Leukoencephalopathies: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dermer E. , Spahr A. , Tran L. T. , Mirchi A. , Pelletier F. , Guerrero K. , Ahmed S. , Brais B. , Braverman N. , Buhas D. , Chandratre S. , Chenier S. , Chrestian N. , Desmeules M. , Dilenge M. E. , Laflamme J. , Larbrisseau A. , Legault G. , Lim K. Y. , Maftei C. , Major P. , Malvey-Dorn E. , Marois P. , Mitchell J. , Nadeau A. , Osterman B. , Paradis I. , Pohl D. , Reggin J. , Riou E. , Roedde G. , Rossignol E. , Sébire G. , Shevell M. , Srour M. , Sylvain M. , Tarnopolsky M. , Venkateswaran S. , Sullivan M. , Bernard G.
Published: July 2020

Genetically determined leukoencephalopathies comprise a group of rare inherited white matter disorders. The majority are progressive diseases resulting in early death. We performed a cross-sectional pilot study including 55 parents from 36 families to assess the level of stress experienced by parents of patients with genetically determined leukoencephalopathies, aged 1 month to 12 years. Thirty-four mothers and 21 fathers completed the Parenting Stress Index–4th Edition. One demographic questionnaire was completed per family. Detailed clinical data was gathered on all patients. Statistical analysis was performed with total stress percentile score as the primary outcome. Mothers and fathers had significantly higher stress levels compared with the normative sample; 20% of parents had high levels of stress whereas 11% had clinically significant levels of stress. Mothers and fathers had comparable total stress percentile scores. We identified pediatric behavioral difficulties and gross motor function to be factors influencing stress in mothers. Our study is the first to examine parental stress in this population and highlights the need for parental support early in the disease course. In this pilot study, we demonstrated that using the Parenting Stress Index–4th Edition to assess stress levels in parents of patients with genetically determined leukoencephalopathies is feasible, leads to valuable and actionable results, and should be used in larger, prospective studies.
Outcomes and Resource Utilization Among Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit Following Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Warwick Madeleine , Fernando Shannon M. , Aaron Shawn D. , Rochwerg Bram , Tran Alexandre , Thavorn Kednapa , Mulpuru Sunita , McIsaac Daniel I. , Thompson Laura H. , Tanuseputro Peter , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo ,   On Behalf of the Resource Optimization Network
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition, accounting for a significant number of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. However, little is known about outcomes and costs among ICU patients admitted with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). We studied predictors of inhospital mortality and costs of ICU admissions for AECOPD.

Methods:

Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained registry from 2 ICUs from 2011 to 2016, including adult patients (age ≥ 18) with an ICU discharge diagnosis of AECOPD. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included ICU length of stay, resource utilization, total hospital costs, and cost per survivor.

Results:

We included 390 patients, of which 27.2% died in hospital. Independent predictors of inhospital mortality included age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.95, CI: 1.58-2.67) and the presence of clinical frailty (OR: 4.12, CI: 2.26-6.95). The mean total hospital costs were Can$35 059, with a cost per survivor of Can$48 191. Factors associated with increased cost included transfer from an inpatient setting, severity of illness, and previous ICU admission.

Conclusions:

Approximately a quarter of patients admitted to ICU with AECOPD died during hospitalization, and these patients accrued significant costs. This study identifies important factors associated with poor outcome in this at-risk population, which has value in risk stratification and patient or family discussions addressing goals of care.
The Silenced Voices of Hidden Survivors: Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Among Women With Disabilities Through a Combined Theoretical Approach
Authors: Muster Caroline L.
Published: July 2020

As one of the world’s most vulnerable populations, women with disabilities are frequent victims of physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Indeed, they experience abuse at higher rates than women and men who do not have disabilities and men with disabilities. They are also more likely to experience intimate partner violence (IPV) than any other adult group. Yet there is not one psychosocial intervention tailored to the needs of women with disabilities who have experienced IPV that facilitates their recovery from complex trauma. This is largely the result of limited (albeit growing) research on the risk factors for IPV, barriers to leaving abusive relationships, and trauma-related issues that women with disabilities face, especially among racialized women with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ women and gender nonconforming persons with disabilities, older/aging women with disabilities, and other subgroups. In order to develop the most culturally competent, effective interventions and policies to address the prevalence of IPV among women with disabilities, an approach that is informed by a combination of critical disability theory, feminist disability theory, and complex trauma theory is recommended. IPV among women with disabilities is a global injustice; therefore, this concern is highly relevant to the field of social work and its mission to advance social justice.
Introducing the Sixth Source of Vocational Anticipatory Socialization: Using the Internet to Search for Career Information
Authors: Levine Kenneth J. , Aley Melinda
Published: July 2020

Research examining vocational anticipatory socialization (VAS) has identified five sources of information. This article presents a potential new source of career socialization information. Emerging adults were surveyed to determine whether they used sources other than the previously identified five sources for career and work-life information. Results indicate that the internet and the media are different and that the internet is actively sought out to provide different types of VAS information. Gender differences were also found for the use of the internet as a VAS source. Future inquiry into VAS should include this additional source of career information.
Associations between Perceived Outdoor Environment and Walking Modifications in Community-Dwelling Older People: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Skantz Heidi , Rantanen Taina , Rantalainen Timo , Keskinen Kirsi E. , Palmberg Lotta , Portegijs Erja , Eronen Johanna , Rantakokko Merja
Published: July 2020

Objectives: To examine associations of perceived outdoor environment with the prevalence and development of adaptive (e.g., slower pace) and maladaptive (e.g., avoiding walking) modifications in walking 2 km among older people. Methods: Community-dwelling 75–90 -year-old persons ( N = 848) reported environmental outdoor mobility facilitators and barriers at baseline. Modifications in walking 2 km (adaptive, maladaptive, or no) were assessed at baseline and one and two years later. Results: Outdoor mobility facilitators were more often reported by those not using modifications or using adaptive versus maladaptive walking modifications. Differences in health and physical capacity explained most of the associations between outdoor mobility barriers and walking modifications. Perceived outdoor environment did not systematically predict future adaptive or maladaptive walking modifications. Discussion: Facilitators may compensate the declined physical capacity and alleviate the strain of walking longer distances by enabling the use of adaptive walking modifications, while lack of such facilitators fuels avoidance of walking longer distances.