bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Masculinity and Risk: Is Teaching “Too Risky” for Men in Australia?
Authors: McGrath Kevin F.
Published: July 2019

I recall a time as an undergraduate student in Sydney, Australia, when I was on a night out with other university students. A bartender asked me what I was studying, and I replied, “I’m becoming a primary school teacher”. Without much expression in her voice, she responded: “I can’t imagine they would let you teach the little ones. That would be a bit risky”. There was a sting in her words and I knew immediately that she was referring to my gender; I was one of only three male students in my cohort. I wondered if others might share her view. As it turned out, the “little ones”, Kindergarten and Year One, were my favorite grades to teach. That one fleeting interaction stayed with me and became the focus of my scholarly work. Ten years later, and having since left the teaching profession altogether, in this essay I return to the question: Is teaching “too risky” for men in Australia?
Should the CDC’s recommendations for promptly removing unnecessary centrally inserted central catheters be enhanced? Ultrasound-guided peripheral venous cannulation to fully comply
Authors: Iordanou Stelios , Middleton Nicos , Papathanassoglou Elisavet , Palazis Lakis , Raftopoulos Vasilios
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

In an effort to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infection’s incidence rates in an intensive care unit, several evidence-based procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for centrally inserted central catheters were implemented. A failure to fully comply with the recommendation for prompt removal of the centrally inserted central catheters was attributed, mainly to the difficulties and inadequacies raised from establishing peripheral venous access.

Methods:

The ultrasound-guided peripheral venous cannulation method as a supplementary intervention to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations was incorporated and examined during the subsequent year.

Results:

A significant reduction on catheter-related bloodstream infection incidence rates out of the expected range was found. Centrally inserted central catheters utilization ratios were reduced by 10.7% (p < 0.05; 58%–47%) and the catheter-related bloodstream infection incidence rate was reduced by 11.7 per thousand device–days (15.9–4.16/1000 centrally inserted central catheters days (2015–2016 group, respectively)).

Conclusion:

The reduction of catheter-related bloodstream infection was higher than that described in the published literature. This probably shows that the combination of the five evidence-based procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention together with that of ultrasound-guided peripheral venous cannulation method can increase the compliance with the Category IA recommendation for removal or avoidance of unnecessary placement of centrally inserted central catheters and decrease the catheter-related bloodstream infections in a more effective way, by affecting the patients’ centrally inserted central catheter exposure.
Cognitive and Emotional Influences on Eating Behaviour: A Qualitative Perspective
Authors: Wehling Helena , Lusher Joanne M
Published: July 2019

Considering that individuals who are within a healthy weight range may experience different thoughts about food to those who are already overweight or obese triggers the need to understand the nature, challenges, and coping strategies of food-related thinking styles in this population in relation to those who are either overweight or obese. Analysis of 6 semi-structured qualitative interviews with individuals who are either at risk of being overweight (body mass index [BMI] = 23-24.99), or above a healthy weight (BMI ⩾ 25), revealed 3 overarching themes: (1) Why am I all about food? (2) Jekyll and Hyde, and (3) Emotional attachment to food. These findings highlighted a link between dieting and negative thinking, which foster unhealthy eating patterns. Therefore, intuitive eating may offer a useful alternative to re-establish a healthier relationship with food.
A business model approach towards the understanding of daily deals within Internet distribution systems
Authors: Budler Marko , Bratec Miha , Minor Katarzyna Barbara , Tomat Luka
Published: July 2019

The business model (BM) approach is making a slow, yet steady footprint in tourism research, can offer a fresh perspective and a viable level of analysis for broader networks of Internet distribution systems (IDSs). To date, the researchers have devoted limited attention to studying the daily deal (DD) providers and their position next to the online travel agencies (OTAs). More importantly, the DD providers developed a unique BM characteristics, which contrary to early predictions, enabled them to proliferate post-recession and maintain their position. The current study uses the BM approach to observe the original dimensions and BM elements, to identify distinct characteristics of generic and niche DD providers, and to benchmark them against the established OTAs. The BM approach enhances the understanding of the overlooked niche DD providers within IDSs. Further, this article provides a comparison of the BM characteristics in IDSs to help facilitate the formulation of a unique value proposition for each of them. Ultimately, the authors acknowledge limited possibilities for cooperation between the providers and discuss future directions of DD and broader IDSs BM transformations.
Lower physical activity is associated with daytime sleepiness in children aged 9–12 years
Authors: Isa Tsunenori , Sugimoto Taiki , Murata Shunsuke , Tsuboi Yamato , Ebina Aoi , Kondo Yuki , Torizawa Kohtaroh , Okumura Maho , Shigemoto Chihiro , Matsuda Naoka , Misu Shogo , Ono Rei
Published: July 2019

This study clarified the prevalence of daytime sleepiness in fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children and examined the association between physical activity (PA) and daytime sleepiness in children aged 9–12 years. This cross-sectional study included 314 children (mean age ± standard deviation: 10.5 ± 1.0 years; male: 52.9%) enrolled in two public elementary schools in Kobe, Japan. PA was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children. The outcome was self-reported daytime sleepiness. The prevalence of daytime sleepiness in fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children were 10.8%, 25.2%, and 28.6%, respectively. In univariate analysis, subjects with reported daytime sleepiness had lower PA levels than those without daytime sleepiness (odds ratio (OR) = .67; 95% confidence interval (CI) = .47–.95). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lower PA was significantly associated with daytime sleepiness after adjusting for multiple confounders (OR = .54; 95% CI = .37–.81). The prevalence of daytime sleepiness in fifth and sixth grades was higher than fourth grade. Furthermore, this study clarified the significant association between PA and daytime sleepiness and suggested that PA could be one of the factors to prevent daytime sleepiness in children aged 9–12 years.
Celebrity status and the attribution of value
Authors: Stewart Simon , Giles David
Published: July 2019

The concept of status is in the background of much research on celebrity but rarely made explicit, so in this collection of articles we seek to intervene by drawing attention to the usefulness of the concept in understanding the attribution of value in celebrity culture. We consider that celebrity status derives from an accumulation of social esteem or disparagement based on the countless evaluative judgements, positive or negative, that accumulate in media and wider public discourse. We conceptualize celebrity status as operating within and relating to the social fields that celebrities occupy and move between. Analysing status within the context of fields enables us to better account for how celebrity status is accrued and/or lost within particular social fields in accordance with field-specific criteria and in relation to wider shifting cultural, political and technological contexts. The articles in this special issue have in common an attentiveness to the evaluative criteria by which celebrities are judged as they move from field to field, and as their status undergoes a transformation – for better or worse – in the field they occupy. Ultimately, we argue that the status attributed to celebrities tells us much about how value is attributed, distributed and accumulated in contemporary society.
At home in the workplace: The value of materiality for immaterial labor in Amsterdam
Authors: van Dijk Simone
Published: July 2019

In the post-Fordist economy, labor processes are increasingly organized around the valuation of immaterial labor. Even though it has been argued that immaterial labor is becoming less dependent on material space, this article addresses the question how the material organization of immaterial labor creates value in work and shows that immaterial labor is not without a materiality. In fact, new, networked labor socialities are strongly materialized in space. Ethnographic material collected in a coworking space in Amsterdam shows how membership of this space brings professional value to its members by providing them with a network and status. This professional value-creation finds its expression in the creation of a very domestic materiality and familial sociality. In order to benefit from the value of this space, members are required to contribute to this intimate lifestyle and thereby perform ‘immaterial labor’, which in turn adds value to the space itself. The material space in which work is performed thus becomes valuable through its immaterial attributes. However, this value is not accessible to all: the extreme inward domesticity and inclusivity turns into an outward exclusivity.
Breath alcohol concentration, hazardous drinking and preloading among Swedish university students
Authors: Elgàn Tobias H , Durbeej Natalie , Gripenberg Johanna
Published: July 2019

Background:

Approximately half of all young adults in Sweden are university students, and alcohol consumption is often a central part of students’ social lives. Heavy drinking is associated with negative consequences, such as poor study skills, sexual risk-taking, violence and accidents. The aim of the present study is to assess the levels of alcohol intoxication as well as hazardous alcohol use among students at Swedish universities.

Methods:

In an alcohol field study, students (≥18 years old) were randomly selected and invited to participate. The settings were eight different parties at four universities in Sweden. Alcohol intoxication was measured using a breath analyser for breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). Demographic data (i.e., sex, age, number of years at the university) and responses to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) were gathered through face-to-face interviews for the assessment of hazardous alcohol use.

Results:

In total, 723 students were invited to participate, 605 of whom consented (84% response rate). The mean age of the respondents was 22.2 years, and the proportion of women was 37%. A majority of the respondents (91%) reported drinking before arriving at the parties. Among those who had consumed alcohol before arriving, the average BrAC was 0.086%, and 36% had BrACs of 0.100% or more. The proportion of students reporting hazardous use was 86% for women and 87% for men.

Conclusions:

This study provides the actual levels of intoxication among university students in four different cities. Alcohol intoxication and hazardous use among Swedish university students is a concern, and the university setting is an important arena for implementation of alcohol prevention strategies.
Modified Peritoneal Flap Hernioplasty Versus Retromuscular Technique for Incisional Hernia Repair: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Petersson P. , Montgomery A. , Petersson U.
Published: July 2019

Background and Aims:

We present an open retromuscular mesh technique for incisional hernia repair, the modified peritoneal flap hernioplasty, where the fascia is sutured to the mesh and the hernia sac utilized for anterior mesh coverage. The aim was to describe the modified peritoneal flap hernioplasty technique and to compare it to a retromuscular repair, without component separation, regarding short-term complications, patient satisfaction, abdominal wall complaints, and recurrent incisional hernia.

Materials and Methods:

Consecutive patients operated electively with modified peritoneal flap hernioplasty technique (December 2012–December 2015) or retromuscular technique (Jan 2011–Oct 2014) were included in a retrospective single-center cohort study. Outcomes were evaluated from the Swedish Ventral Hernia Registry, by chart review, physical examination, and an abdominal wall complaints questionnaire.

Results:

The modified peritoneal flap hernioplasty group ( n = 78) had larger hernias (mean width 10.4 vs 8.5 cm, p = 0.005), more advanced Centers for Disease Control classification ( p = 0.009), and more simultaneous gastrointestinal-tract surgery (23.1% vs 11.5%, p = 0.041) than the retromuscular group ( n = 96). No difference in short-term complications was seen. Incisional hernia recurrence was lower in the modified peritoneal flap hernioplasty group (1.4% vs 10.3%, p = 0.023), and patients were more satisfied (93.8% vs 81.7%, p = 0.032). Follow-up time was shorter in the modified peritoneal flap hernioplasty group (614 vs 1171 days, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This retrospective study showed similar rates of short-term complications, despite more complex hernias in the modified peritoneal flap hernioplasty group. Furthermore, a lower incisional hernia recurrence rate for the modified peritoneal flap hernioplasty technique compared with the retromuscular technique used in our department was found. If this holds true with equally long follow-up remains to be proven.
School readiness, governance and early years ability grouping
Authors: Roberts-Holmes Guy
Published: July 2019

Compliance to government-prescribed national ‘school-readiness’ performance measures, particularly in early numeracy and literacy, readies and governs early years children for primary schools’ test-based culture. Performance measures, such as the Early Learning Goals and the Phonics Screening Check, govern and steer early years teachers towards inappropriate ability-grouping practices to obtain required outputs and results. This research draws on the findings of an English nationwide survey of early years and primary Key Stage 1 teachers ( n = 1373), four focus groups and four case study schools with 12 in-depth interviews. Early years teachers’ attempts to meet nationally imposed school-readiness performance measures are analysed as Foucauldian governance. Finally, the article examines ability-labelling and ability-grouping impacts on children’s well-being and aspirations.
Effects of telmisartan and losartan treatments on bone turnover markers in patients with newly diagnosed stage I hypertension
Authors: Aydoğan Berna İ , Erarslan Emrah , Ünlütürk Uğur , Güllü Sevim
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

Telmisartan is an angiotensin-II receptor type-1 blocker and a partial agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. The aim of this study was to determine the potential effects of telmisartan on bone metabolism and turnover markers.

Methods:

Forty-two patients with newly diagnosed stage I hypertension who were prescribed telmisartan 80 mg/day or losartan 100 mg/day were included. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, interleukin 6 and 24-hour urinary N-terminal telopeptide were measured at the beginning and after 12 weeks of treatment.

Results:

When treatment arms were evaluated together, significantly increased 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels ( p=0.01), and decreased parathormone (PTH) ( p<0.001), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase ( p=0.01), osteocalcin ( p=0.045), urinary N-terminal telopeptide ( p<0.001) and interleukin 6 levels ( p=0.006) were observed. After eliminating the 25-hydroxy vitamin D effect, significant changes were not observed at any of the parameters. None of the levels of parameters were different between groups.

Conclusions:

Neither telmisartan, despite its partial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonistic effect, nor losartan treatment had significant effects on bone turnover markers in newly diagnosed stage I hypertensive patients.
Proposal of a method to identify recall ability and brand associations
Authors: Ueda Masao
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this research is to develop a method to identify the ability to recall brand association and clarify which brand association is able to discriminate the recall ability. To achieve this purpose, in this research, the reaction and reaction time data to the presented brand association were collected via smartphone, and the data were analyzed by a hierarchy Bayesian model based on the idea of two-parameter model of item response theory (IRT). The result of description data showed that it was the significance to utilized reaction time. The analysis result by a hierarchy Bayesian model indicated that this method enables to efficient brand communication as the proposed model can estimate both the recall ability and the parameter to utilize in brand communication. This research contributes to both academic and business areas by proposing a convenience and effective method to identify consumers’ brand recalling ability.
Effects of Repeated 20-Hz Electrical Stimulation on Functional Recovery Following Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Park Sohee , Liu Cai-yue , Ward Patricia J. , Jaiswal Poonam B. , English Arthur W.
Published: July 2019

One hour of 20-Hz continuous electrical stimulation (ES) applied at the time of injury promotes the regeneration of axons in cut peripheral nerves. A more robust enhancement of peripheral axon regeneration is achieved by 2 weeks of daily treadmill exercise. We investigated whether repeated applications of brief ES (mES) would be more effective in promoting regeneration than a single application. Sciatic nerves of C57B6 mice were cut and repaired by end-to-end anastomosis. At that time and every third day for 2 weeks, the repaired nerve was stimulated for 1 hour at 20 Hz. In controls, injured mice were either untreated or treated with ES only once. Direct muscle responses recorded from reinnervated muscles in awake animals were observed earlier both in mice treated with ES and mES than untreated controls. Their amplitudes increased progressively over the post transection study period, but the rate of this progression was increased significantly only in animals treated once with ES. Monosynaptic H reflexes recovered to pretransection levels in both untreated and singly treated mice but in the animals treated repeatedly, they were maintained at more than twice that of the same reflexes recorded prior to injury. In anatomical analyses, both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic contacts with the cell bodies of injured motoneurons, including those expressing the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), were sustained in mice treated repeatedly but not in singly treated or untreated mice. Repeated ES does not enhance the rate of restoration of functional muscle reinnervation and results in the retention of exaggerated reflexes.
Attitudes Regarding Enrollment in a Genetic Research Project: An Informed Consent Simulation Study Comparing Views of People With Depression, Diabetes, and Neither Condition
Authors: Kim Jane Paik , Ryan Katie , Roberts Laura Weiss
Published: July 2019

In this study, participants with a self-reported history of depression, diabetes, or no illness underwent a simulated informed consent process for a hypothetical genetic study related to depression or diabetes. Participants completed a survey assessing their perceived understanding of the research process, perceptions of its risks and benefits, their satisfaction with the informed consent process, and their readiness to make a hypothetical enrollment decision. All participants indicated strong readiness to make an enrollment decision regarding the research characterized in the simulation. Participants reported understanding the consent process relatively well and being generally satisfied with it. Greater concerns were expressed regarding psychosocial risks than biological risks for genetic studies on mental disorders. Our study documented positive attitudes toward volunteering for research that involved the collection of genetic data.
Roundness and positioning deviation prediction in single point incremental forming using deep learning approaches
Authors: Akrichi Sofien , Abbassi Amira , Abid Sabeur , Ben yahia Noureddine
Published: July 2019

This article proposes a deep learning technique for the prevision of the geometric accuracy in single point incremental forming. Moreover, predicting geometric accuracy is one of the most crucial measures of part quality. Accordingly, roundness and positioning deviation are two indicators for measuring geometric accuracy and presenting two output variables. Two types of artificial intelligence learning approaches, that is, shallow learning and deep learning, are investigated and compared for forecasting geometrical accuracy in the single point incremental forming process. Therefore, the back-propagation neural network with one hidden layer is selected as the representative for shallow learning and deep belief network and stack autoencoder are chosen as the representatives for deep learning. Accurate prediction is closely related to the feature learning of single point incremental forming process parameters. The following six parameters were considered as input variables: sheet thickness, tool path direction, step depth, speed rate, feed rate, and wall angle. The results of these studies indicate that deep learning could be a powerful tool in the current search for geometric accuracy prediction in single point incremental forming. Otherwise, the deep learning approach shows the best performance prediction with shallow learning. In addition, the deep belief network model achieves superior performance accuracy for the prediction of roundness and position deviation in comparison with the stack autoencoder approach.
Analysis of influencing factors for rear-end collision on the freeway
Authors: Xi Jianfeng , Guo Hongyu , Tian Jian , Liu Lisa , Sun Weifu
Published: July 2019

Rear-end collision accounts for the main type of traffic accidents occurring on the freeway. In order to extract the significant influence factors of rear-end collision on the freeway, this study utilized the data of freeway traffic accidents between 2010 and 2015 in China. First, based on quasi-induced exposure theory, the information of driver, vehicle, and road environment was analyzed. Gender, age, driving age, vehicle safety, load, weather, fatigue, driving speed, road alignment, accident time, and visibility were selected as the important factors that might affect rear-end collision. Second, based on logistic regression model, the influencing factors analysis model of freeway rear-end collision was established. In the regression analysis, the possible important factors selected were taken as the independent variables, and the accident responsibility was taken as the dependent variable. Then, the factors that had significant influence on rear-end collision were selected from candidate independent variables by stepwise regression method. Finally, the specific influence of driving age, load, weather, accident time, visibility, fatigue, and driving speed on rear-end collision occurring on the freeway was discussed. The analysis results were explained according to the odds ratio. The research results of this article can provide guidance for the prevention of rear-end collision on the freeway and theoretical support for the development of freeway early warning system.
A novel edge gradient algorithm for multiple mobile robots cooperative mapping in unknown environment
Authors: Yiqing Huang , Hui Wang , Lisheng Wei , Wengen Gao , Yuan Ge
Published: July 2019

This article presented a cooperative mapping technique using a novel edge gradient algorithm for multiple mobile robots. The proposed edge gradient algorithm can be divided into four behaviors such as adjusting the movement direction, evaluating the safety of motion behavior, following behavior, and obstacle information exchange, which can effectively prevent multiple mobile robots falling into concave obstacle areas. Meanwhile, a visual field factor is constructed based on biological principles so that the mobile robots can have a larger field of view when moving away from obstacles. Also, the visual field factor will be narrowed due to the obstruction of the obstacle when approaching an obstacle and the obtained map-building data are more accurate. Finally, three sets of simulation and experimental results demonstrate the performance superiority of the presented algorithm.
A new and efficient protocol for the synthesis of the key intermediate of Palbociclib
Authors: Li Shuting , Yang Wanfeng , Ji Min , Cai Jin , Chen Junqing
Published: July 2019

A new and efficient synthesis of 6-bromo-8-cyclopentyl-5-methyl-2-(methylsulfinyl)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-one, a key intermediate of Palbociclib, starting from thiouracil was described. This protocol involved methylation, nucleophilic substitution, bromination, nucleophilic substitution, Heck reaction, ring closure, oxidation, and bromination to afford a key intermediate of Palbociclib with approximately 35% overall yield. The advantages of this developed synthetic strategy included improved overall yield, inexpensive starting materials, and readily controllable and cleaner reaction conditions.
A sequential one-pot strategy for the synthesis of triterpenoid saponins in ionic liquid [emim][OTf]
Authors: Song Yiming , Guo Tiantian , Liu Qingchao , Song Weiguo , Li Fahui
Published: July 2019

1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([emim][OTf]) is an efficient co-solvent and co-promoter for one-pot sequential glycosylation with the combined use of thioglycosides and trichloroacetimidates (or N-phenyltrifluoroacetimidates) donors at room temperature. One-pot glycosylation is efficient for the synthesis of triterpenoid saponins with the combined use of N-phenyltrifluoroacetimidate donors and 2-methyl-5-tert-butylphenyl (Mbp) thioglycoside donors in [emim][OTf].
Design, synthesis, and photoelectric properties of V-shaped organic fluorescent compounds with a 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety
Authors: Hou Rui-Bin , Su Ji-Ying , Zhang Ling-Ling , Li Dong-Feng , Xia Yan
Published: July 2019

A series of symmetric, silicon-linked organic fluorescent compounds with two electron-deficient 1,3,4-oxadiazole units were synthesized and characterized. The compounds possessed a V-shaped structure with a silicon atom, which weakened π–π stacking, promoting aggregation-induced emission. The compounds were fluorescent in both solution and solid-state thin films. The efficient fluorescent behavior of the materials was confirmed through optical and electrochemical measurements. The compounds displayed excellent thermal stability, with decomposition temperatures exceeding 400 °C. Amorphous films of the compounds possessed high morphological stability. These results indicate that the compounds may be promising emissive and electron-transporting materials.
Preparation, photoluminescence, semiconductor properties, and theoretical calculations for a novel zinc zero-dimensional structure complex
Authors: Yi Zhi-Qiang , Fang Xiao-Niu , Cao Zi-Yi , Wei Yao , Li Ya-Jing , Yi Xiu-Guang
Published: July 2019

The complex [Zn(CH3OH)4(MCA)2] (3-hydroxy-2-methylquinoline-4-carboxylic acid) has been synthesized through hydrothermal reactions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Its solid-state photoluminescence spectrum shows an emission in the blue region, which is assigned to ligand-to-metal charge transfer on the basis of time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Solid-state diffuse reflectance measurements show the existence of a narrow optical band gap of 1.73 eV.
Synthesis of spiro[benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazole-2,3-thiolane]s via sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade reactions
Authors: Lei Jiaying , Fu Xinliang , Huang Yulin , Li Xiaofang
Published: July 2019

The sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade reaction of ( Z)-2-arylmethylidene-benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1- b]thiazol-3(2H)-ones and 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol afforded novel 2-aryl-4-hydroxy-spiro[benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1- b][1,3]thiazole-2,3-thiolan]-3-ones in moderate yields. The structures of all the products were characterized thoroughly by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and high-resolution mass spectrometry together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.
Mesomorphism behaviour and photoluminescent properties of new asymmetrical 1,2-di(4-alkoxybenzylidene)hydrazines
Authors: Awad Adil A , Bariz OmarAli Al-Ameen , Al-Karawi Ahmed Jasim M , Al-Qaisi Zyad Hussein J , Majeed Samer Ghanim
Published: July 2019

{1-[4-( n-Alkoxy)]-2-(4’-decyloxy)benzylidene}hydrazines ( n-alkoxy = O(CH2) nH, n = 1–9, 12, 16 or 18), an asymmetrical series of 1,2-disubstituted hydrazines, were prepared in a simple two-step procedure as a part of our continuing work in evaluating hydrophobic azine compounds as photoluminescent liquid crystalline materials. The compounds were characterized spectroscopically and their liquid crystalline behaviour and luminescent properties were evaluated using polarized light optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. The studies revealed that all of these compounds are liquid crystalline materials exhibiting photoluminescent properties in the crystalline and liquid crystal states.
Synthesis of aryl-substituted quinolines and tetrahydroquinolines through Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions
Authors: Ökten Salih
Published: July 2019

The synthesis and characterization of substituted (trifluoromethoxy, thiomethyl, and methoxy) phenyl quinolines is described. Dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II)-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of 6-bromo- and 6,8-dibromo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines, 5-bromo-8-methoxyquinoline, and 5,7-dibromo-8-methoxyquinoline with substituted phenylboronic acids affords the corresponding 6-aryl- (13a–d), 6,8-diaryl- (14a–c), 5-aryl- (15), and 5,7-diaryl- (16b, c) tetrahydroquinolines and quinolines in high yields (68%–82%). The structures of all the products are characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR,19F NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and by elemental analysis.
Characterization of the prognostic values of the NDRG family in gastric cancer
Authors: Yu Chaoran , Hao Xiaohui , Zhang Sen , Hu Wenjun , Li Jianwen , Sun Jing , Zheng Minhua
Published: July 2019

Background:

The N-myc downstream-regulated gene ( NDRG) family, NDRG1-4, has been involved in a wide spectrum of biological functions in multiple cancers. However, their prognostic values remain sparse in gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, it is crucial to systematically investigate the prognostic values of the NDRG family in GC.

Methods:

The prognostic values of the NDRG family were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier Plotter and SurvExpress. The mRNA of the NDRG family was investigated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs associated with the NDRG family were predicted by NetworkAnalysis. The prognostic values of DNA methylation levels were analyzed by MethSurv. The correlation between immune cells and the NDRG family was evaluated by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database.

Results:

High levels of mRNA expression of NDRG2 and NDRG3 were associated with a favorable prognosis in all GCs. In HER2− GC, NDRG1 was significantly associated with a poor prognosis of GC [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–2.33, p = 0.0046]. In HER2+ GC, NDRG4 showed a poor prognosis (HR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.06–1.85, p = 0.017). NDRG4 was an independent prognostic factor in recurrence-free survival by TCGA cohort. The low-risk NDRG-signature group displayed a significantly favorable survival outcome than the high-risk group (HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.2–2.59, p = 0.00385). The phosphorylated protein NDRG1 (NDRG1_pT346) displayed a favorable overall survival and was significantly associated with HER2 and phosphorylated HER2. Epidermis development was the top biological process (BP) for coexpressed genes associated with NDRG1 and NDRG4, while mitotic nuclear division and mitotic cell processes were the top BPs for NDRG2 and NDRG3, respectively. Overall, 6 CpGs of NDRG1, 4 CpGs of NDRG2, 3 CpGs of NDRG3 and 24 CpGs of NDRG4 were associated with significant prognosis. CD4+ T-cells showed the highest correlation with NDRG4 (correlation = 0.341, p = 2.14e−11). Furthermore, BCL6 in follicular helper T-cells (Tfh) cells showed the highest association with NDRG4 (correlation = 0.438, p = 00e+00).

Conclusions:

This study analyzed the multilevel prognostic values and biological roles of the NDRG family in GC.
Modeling the rationality of customers’ switching mobile services behavior
Authors: Salhieh Sa’Ed M
Published: July 2019

This article analyzes the rationality of customer’s behavior when switching mobile services. Customer rationality is manifested by selecting the service provider capable of delivering the highest amount of benefits to the customer. A model based on multinomial logistics regression that makes use of the rational choice theory is developed to emulate customers’ service switching behavior and predicts the probability of switching mobile services. Customer rationality is assessed by comparing the choice predicted by the model with the true choice of customers and rationality is considered as achieved when a customer chooses a service provider that maximizes his/her benefit. The model was tested and validated by modeling the behavior of customers in the Jordanian telecommunication market and a rationality assessment was conducted. The results show that mobile service customers in Jordan are making rational decisions and would be willing to switch their current service provider if offered a better service. The study encourages service providers to challenge their assessment of customer loyalty and investigate new ways to enhance customer experience and guarantee customer loyalty.
Transforming Stability into Change: How the Media Select and Report Opinion Polls
Authors: Larsen Erik Gahner , Fazekas Zoltán
Published: July 2019

Although political polls show stability over short periods of time, most media coverage of polls highlights recurrent changes in the political competition. We present evidence for a snowball effect where small and insignificant changes in polls end up in the media coverage as stories about changes. To demonstrate this process, we rely on the full population of political polls in Denmark and a combination of human coding and supervised machine learning of more than four thousand news articles. Through these steps, we show how a horserace coverage of polls about change can rest on a foundation of stability.
On Behalf of the People: The Use of Public Opinion and the Perception of “the People” in Political Communication Strategies of Dutch MPs
Authors: Strikovic Edina , van der Meer Toni G. L. A. , van der Goot Emma , Bos Linda , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: July 2019

This study investigates the role of public opinion for members of parliaments (MPs) in a time in which communication about the will of “the People” is high on the political agenda. By means of face-to-face elite interviews with Dutch MPs, we explore who politicians perceive as “the People,” how they assess “the will of the People,” and how this translates into their communication strategies. We find that MPs distinguish between listening to individual opinion, to understand what topics are at the forefront of “the People’s” minds, and taking political action considering a more general public. MPs are divided in their acceptance of the term “the People”—some find it useful, while others voice concerns over its antipluralistic implications. We find evidence of populist communication strategies in the form of references to public opinion across the political spectrum. Political communication is used for political marketing and to connect to the electorate. We conclude that Dutch MPs are not becoming more populist across the political spectrum, but rather that there is a tendency toward personalization and authenticity in political communication, which makes “normal” political communication appear more populist.
No Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections as an Adjuvant to Autologous Cartilage Chips Implantation for the Treatment of Chondral Defects
Authors: Olesen Morten Lykke , Christensen Bjørn Borsøe , Foldager Casper Bindzus , Hede Kris Chadwick , Jørgensen Natasja Leth , Lind Martin
Published: July 2019

Background

Repair of chondral injuries using cartilage chips has recently demonstrated clinical feasibility. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a potential promising technique for improving healing response during cartilage repair.

Purpose

To assess the cartilage repair tissue quality after autologous cartilage chips treatment (CC) with and without repeated local injections of PRP for the treatment of full-thickness focal chondral defects of the knee.

Materials and Methods

Two full-thickness chondral defects (Ø = 6 mm) were created in the medial and lateral trochlea facets of each knee in 6 skeletally mature Göttingen minipigs. The 2 treatment groups were (1) CC with 1 weekly PRP injection for 3 weeks ( n = 12) and (2) CC alone ( n = 12). The animals were euthanized after 6 months. Samples of whole blood and PRP were analyzed for concentrations of platelets and nucleated cells. The composition of the cartilage repair tissue was assessed using gross appearance assessment, histomorphometry, and semiquantitative scoring (ICRS II).

Results

Histological evaluation demonstrated no significant difference in the content of hyaline cartilage (CC + PRP: 18.7% vs. CC: 19.6%), fibrocartilage (CC + PRP: 48.1% vs. CC: 51.8%), or fibrous tissue (CC + PRP: 22.7% vs. CC: 21.8%) between the treatment groups. Macroscopic evaluation did not demonstrate any difference between groups.

Conclusions

PRP injections after CC in the treatment of full-thickness cartilage injuries demonstrated no beneficial effects in terms of macroscopic and histologic composition of cartilage repair tissue.
Malignant cerebellar edema in three-year-old girl following accidental opioid ingestion and fentanyl administration
Authors: Chen Cathy H , Mullen Alexander J , Hofstede Dustin , Rizvi Tanvir
Published: July 2019

A three-year-old girl was found altered with an unknown timeline. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry was positive for hydromorphone, dihydrocodeine, and hydrocodone. Initial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a malignant cerebellar edema not confined to a vascular distribution. She received fentanyl boluses on hospital days 0 and 1 before receiving a continuous infusion on day 1. On day 3, she had an episode of acute hypertension and bradycardia. Emergent computed tomography showed an evolving hydrocephalus and similar diffuse edema throughout both cerebellar hemispheres. External ventricular drain was placed to relieve the increased intracranial pressure. Following drain placement and fentanyl discontinuation, the patient recovered, though not without fine- and gross-motor deficits at the four-month follow-up. Our case adds to a handful of case reports of opioid toxicity in pediatric patients that present as toxic leukoencephalopathy. Though the mechanism is poorly understood, it has been suggested to be a consequence of the neurotoxic effects of the drug, which has particular affinity for µ opioid receptors—the primary opioid receptor found in the cerebellum. Clinicians would do well to recognize that this syndrome is primarily caused by direct toxicity rather than ischemia. This case adds insight by suggesting that lipophilic opioid analgesics may worsen this neurotoxicity. When intervening with mechanical ventilation, clinicians should consider avoiding lipophilic opioid drugs for analgesia until the pathogenesis of cerebellar edema is better understood.
Predictors of self-care activities of outpatient diabetic residents in Harar and Dire Dawa: A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayele Behailu Hawulte , Mengesha Melkamu Merid , Tesfa Tewodros
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of major public health importance due to its prevalence and potential health complication. The success of long-term maintenance therapy of diabetes patients depends largely on their ability to adherence to self-care practices. Africa’s most populous country, Ethiopia, has the highest burden of diabetes mellitus. However, studies on self-care activities of diabetic patients are limited. Therefore, this study measures the level of self-care activities of diabetic patients in a follow-up clinic of public hospitals in Harar and Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 randomly selected diabetic patients in Harar and Dire Dawa. A standard diabetic self-care activity interview tool was used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epi-data v 3.1 and STATA v 14.2 was used for analysis. Our outcome variable, self-care activities, has three ordered categories and a robust Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify predictors. All statistical tests with p-value <0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results:

The self-care activities of study participants were rated good for 38.1% (95% confidence interval: 32.94, 43.60). Being rural residents (adjusted odds ratio = 0.38, 95% confidence interval: 0.17, 0.82), attended secondary education (adjusted odds ratio = 2.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.51, 5.78), uncontrolled blood glucose (adjusted odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 2.79), and had diabetic complications (one, adjusted odds ratio = 1.91, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 3.38; two or more, adjusted odds ratio = 4.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.81, 12.25) were significantly associated with the better diabetes mellitus self-care activities.

Conclusion:

Significant number of diabetes mellitus patients living in rural areas did not adhere to diabetic self-care activities. This is more evident among participants who have limited or no formal education and patients with controlled blood glucose level. Therefore, individualized diabetic lifestyle education programs in follow-up clinics should target these population groups to improve self-care.
Staff perspectives from Australian hospitals seeking to improve implementation of thrombolysis care for acute stroke
Authors: Paul Christine , D’Este Catherine , Ryan Annika , Jayakody Amanda , Attia John , Oldmeadow Christopher , Kerr Erin , Henskens Frans , Grady Alice , Levi Christopher R
Published: July 2019

Background:

Intravenous thrombolysis is one of few evidence-based treatments for acute stroke. Treatment uptake is low outside major stroke care centres. There is a need for greater understanding of barriers encountered by clinicians when seeking to increase thrombolysis rates.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to describe physicians’ and nurses’ perceptions regarding thrombolysis for acute stroke at hospitals in the earlier stages of thrombolysis implementation.

Methods:

A cross-sectional paper survey completed by physicians’ and nurses’ was distributed to 1127 staff at stroke care units, emergency departments or equivalent stroke care facilities at 19 Australian hospitals, as part of a cluster randomised controlled trial for thrombolysis implementation and systems improvement.

Results:

Of 1127 potential participants, 503 (148 physicians and 355 nurses) completed surveys (45% response rate). Over 90% agreed that thrombolysis improved the odds of independent survival. However, 42% to 58% agreed that there were limitations in the evidence base. A small proportion of staff indicated deficits in technical competencies. Interactive or competency-based training was reported by less than two-thirds of the sample. Challenges such as quick bed availability were identified. Emergency department physicians were less positive towards the treatment compared with nurses (p < 0.001), stroke care unit physicians were more positive than nurses (p = 0.047) and older clinicians were more positive than younger clinicians (p = 0.007).

Conclusion:

Australian hospitals seeking to address barriers to stroke thrombolysis implementation may benefit from the availability of interactive and competency-based training, staff performance feedback, support to make beds available quickly and bypass arrangements to quickly deliver acute stroke patients to appropriate facilities.
A Social Networks Approach to Viral Advertising: The Role of Primary, Contextual, and Low Influencers
Authors: Himelboim Itai , Golan Guy J.
Published: July 2019

The diffusion of social networking platforms ushered in a new age of peer-to-peer distributed online advertising content, widely referred to as viral advertising. The current study proposes a social networks approach to the study of viral advertising and identifying influencers. Expanding beyond the conventional retweets metrics to include Twitter mentions as connection in the network, this study identifies three groups of influencers, based on their connectivity in their networks: Hubs, or highly retweeted users, are Primary Influencers; Bridges, or highly mentioned users who associate connect users who would otherwise be disconnected, are Contextual Influencers, and Isolates are the Low Influence users. Each of these users’ roles in viral advertising is discussed and illustrated through the Heineken’s Worlds Apart campaign as a case study. Providing a unique examination of viral advertising from a network paradigm, our study advances scholarship on social media influencers and their contribution to content virality on digital platforms.
Factors Affecting Small-Scale Fishermen’s Adaptation Toward the Impacts of Climate Change: Reflections From Malaysian Fishers
Authors: Abu Samah Asnarulkhadi , Shaffril Hayrol Azril Mohamed , Hamzah Azimi , Abu Samah Bahaman
Published: July 2019

This study aims to examine the influence of individual differences on the small-scale fishermen’s climate change adaptation practices toward climate change. This is a descriptive correlational study on 400 small-scale fishermen living in four climate change–affected areas in Malaysia, which were selected based on a multistage cluster sampling. In conclusion, it was found that age, income, and fishing experience recorded a significant relationship with climate change adaptation practices, whereas their household size did not yield any relationship with the adaptation practices. Furthermore, a number of small-scale fishermen who use fisheries technologies, have alternative jobs, and possess higher education have recorded better climate change adaptation practices compared with nonusers, full-timers, and less educated fishermen. Several recommendations were made to assist the concerned parties in developing better adaptation strategies that are fitted to the fishermen’s needs, interests, and abilities.
Incomplete Contracts, Power and Efficiency: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Motiram Sripad
Published: July 2019

This paper formalizes the idea that the allocation of tasks and adoption of technology in capitalist firms could be inefficient. Some previous studies have attempted this exercise, but the framework and results in this paper are different. The paper models contracts that are incomplete owing to the presence of unforeseen/indescribable contingencies, which opens up the possibility of renegotiation. Renegotiation can improve outcomes, but also leads to a hold-up problem. Given this, the equilibrium allocation is inefficient compared to other (non-hierarchical) alternatives. The extent of the inefficiency can be linked to the degree of incompleteness. This model captures insights from the literature on the microeconomic roots of inefficiency and the exercise of control and power. It also provides a concrete setting where indescribable contingencies do (and do not) matter—a much-debated issue.

JEL Codes: D21, B1, B2