bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic characteristics analysis of a dual-rotor system with inter-shaft bearing
Authors: Wang Nanfei , Jiang Dongxiang , Xu Hongzhi
Published: December 2017

The dual-rotor structure is susceptible to vibration, causing the malfunction of the entire operating system. In order to avoid the resonance during operation, it is significant and necessary to conduct modal analysis of such rotors. The dynamic analysis of the full dual-rotor system under operating conditions is also necessary to study dynamic characteristics of the rotating system. In this paper, one-dimension Timoshenko beam-type model, including the effects of gyroscopic moments, rotary inertias, bending and shear deformations, and three-dimension model for dual-rotor system with inter-shaft bearing are developed. Critical speed tests of dual-rotor are carried out to verify the analytical results. Based on the finite element models, the first critical speed excited by inner rotor and the first two critical speeds excited by outer rotor are calculated. The comparisons between both finite element models indicate that 1D model costs less time, which can be used to predict the critical speeds. Good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results shows the accuracy of the FE models. The Campbell diagram, critical speeds, operational deflection shapes and unbalance response of the dual-rotor are obtained to fully study the dynamic characteristics of the dual-rotor system.
Insertion as an alternative to workfare: Active labour-market schemes in the Parisian suburbs
Authors: Schulte Lisa , Greer Ian , Umney Charles , Symon Graham , Iankova Katia
Published: December 2017

Many governments have tightened the link between welfare and work by attaching conditionality to out-of-work benefits, extending these requirements to new client groups and imposing market competition and greater managerial control in service delivery – principles typically characterized as ‘workfare’. Based on field research in Seine-Saint-Denis, we examine French ‘ insertion’ schemes aimed at disadvantaged but potentially job-ready clients, characterized by weak conditionality, low marketization, strong professional autonomy and local network control. We show that insertion systems have resisted policy attempts to expand workfare-derived principles, reflecting street-level actors’ belief in the key advantages of the former over the latter. In contrast with arguments stressing institutional and cultural stickiness, our explanation for this resistance thus highlights the decentralized network governance of front-line services and the limits to central government power.
The grieving animal: Grief as a foundational emotion
Authors: Brinkmann Svend
Published: December 2017

This article introduces the notion of foundational emotions, using grief as a central example. Unlike so-called basic emotions, some of which humans share with other animals, foundational emotions are constitutive of human selfhood and subjectivity. First, anxiety, shame, and guilt are presented as emotions that have been singled out as foundational emotions in philosophical and biblical texts. Second, grief is introduced as a foundational human emotion in the sense that it connects the human being to existential issues of love and death that are uniquely important for us. Some general implications are discussed that follow from the notion of foundational emotions.
Knowledge management for improving services in federal university libraries in Nigeria
Authors: Ugwu Cyprian I. , Ekere Justina N.
Published: December 2017

Innovation has become one area that requires careful examination in today’s university libraries. Because innovation is one of the attributes of knowledge management, and knowledge management in itself is a survival strategy for university libraries facing challenges, it has become necessary to empirically determine the extent of involvement of librarians in knowledge management activities in federal university libraries in Nigeria. The aim of this study, therefore, is to determine the knowledge management activities of librarians in library services as well as the extent to which their involvement can be explained by their personal characteristics with a view to proposing a model for library service improvement through knowledge management. The study is a descriptive survey design. Responses to a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers were received from 200 librarians. The questionnaire was entitled, ‘Knowledge Management in Library Service Questionnaire, KMLSQ’. It was validated by experts and its reliability index was calculated as 0.91 using Cronbach alpha procedure. The data collected were analysed using Percentages, Mean, Standard Deviation and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. This analysis was done with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. The results showed that librarians in university libraries in Nigeria were involved to a large extent in knowledge identification, acquisition, creation and dissemination. The results also revealed that only education and work experience correlated significantly with knowledge management activities of the librarians. The study concluded by proposing a conceptual model of knowledge management as a service delivery tool.
Redefining Library and Information Science education and training in Zimbabwe to close the workforce skills gaps
Authors: Katuli-Munyoro Pedzisai , Mutula Stephen M.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study is to assess Library and Information Science (LIS) curricula in Zimbabwean universities and polytechnic colleges in the context of perceived skills gaps and from employers’ perspectives on what is required from graduate professionals in entry-level jobs. The study is qualitative in nature and is supported by a post-positivist framework. A case study research design and methods are used. All (three) curricular documents from two universities and polytechnic colleges (use a common curriculum) offering LIS education in Zimbabwe are reviewed using document review methods. Twenty-seven course outlines are analysed. Seventeen LIS employers and five deans/heads of departments have been purposively selected and interviewed using in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data are analysed using NVivo. The study identifies gaps in knowledge as well as in functional and generic employability training in LIS curricula. These are attributed to the transitory environment in which LIS departments operate, dated educational models, shortage of well-developed multi-stakeholder mutual partnerships and alliances, a lack of shared understanding and responsibility, an expanding labour environment and the absence of continuous professional development programmes. The study results suggest that Zimbabwean LIS education programmes are in urgent need of radical transformation and need to adopt innovative education models to meet the dictates of the techno-economic paradigm that serves society today.
Efficacy and safety of multitarget therapy with cyclophosphamide and tacrolimus for lupus nephritis: a prospective, single-arm, single-centre, open label pilot study in Japan
Authors: Sakai R , Kurasawa T , Nishi E , Kondo T , Okada Y , Shibata A , Nishimura K , Chino K , Okuyama A , Takei H , Nagasawa H , Amano K
Published: December 2017

Background

Pulsed cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil for lupus nephritis has limited efficacy. We previously reported a case of mixed-class IV + V lupus nephritis successfully treated with cyclophosphamide and tacrolimus. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of multitarget therapy with cyclophosphamide and tacrolimus for the treatment of lupus nephritis.

Methods

In a prospective, single-arm, open label pilot study, we recruited 15 patients aged 18–64 years with active lupus nephritis who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (1997). The treatment protocol was a starting dose of prednisolone of 0.6−1.0 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks and then tapered to a maintenance dose, intravenous cyclophosphamide (500 mg biweekly for 3 months) and tacrolimus (3.0 mg/day). Tacrolimus was continued as maintenance therapy. Complete remission was defined as a spot urine protein/creatinine ratio of < 0.5 g/gCr with no active urine casts and a serum creatinine level that was either normal or within 30% of a previously abnormal baseline level. We retrospectively compared results for the study patients with those of 18 historical controls conventionally treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone.

Results

At baseline, the mean patient age was 41.5 ± 14.6 years (male:female ratio 2:13), urine protein/creatinine ratio 3.9 ± 2.3 g/gCr and serum creatinine 84.6 ± 34.6 µmol/L. Lupus nephritis classifications included classes IV ( n = 8), III + V ( n = 1), IV + V ( n = 5) and unclassified ( n = 1). Eleven patients completed the treatment protocol and four withdrew. At 6 months, 12 of 15 (80.0%) had achieved complete remission using intention-to-treat analysis, significantly more than historical controls (seven of 18 patients, 38.9%). A transient increase in serum creatinine and gastric symptoms occurred in three cases. One patient withdrew due to cytomegalovirus antigenemia and severe diabetes, and one patient died of thrombotic microangiopathy.

Conclusions

Multitarget therapy with cyclophosphamide and tacrolimus can be a therapeutic option for lupus nephritis.

Clinical trials registration

Combination therapy of tacrolimus and intravenous cyclophosphamide for remission induction of lupus nephritis, UMIN: 000004893, URL: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&type=summary&recptno=R000005830&language=E . Date of registration: 18 January 2011.
Immigration Detention, Punishment and the Transformation of Justice
Authors: Bosworth Mary
Published: December 2017

In this article, I examine the changing nature of punishment under conditions of mass mobility. Drawing on research conducted in immigration removal centres in the UK, I will show how porous boundaries between administrative penalties and criminal penalties have made the two systems co-constitutive and, in so doing, have drawn into question the liberal foundations of punishment. As foreigners face additional, administrative burdens and are subject to processes of differentiation and exclusion simply by virtue of their citizenship, I suggest, basic values of due process, fairness and equality of treatment and outcome, are drawn into question. As a consequence, justice itself is transformed.
A Second-Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Moral Distress Scale-Revised for Nurses
Authors: Sharif Nia Hamid , Shafipour Vida , Allen Kelly-Ann , Heidari Mohammad Reza , Yazdani-Charati Jamshid , Zareiyan Armin
Published: December 2017

Background:

Moral distress is a growing problem for healthcare professionals that may lead to dissatisfaction, resignation, or occupational burnout if left unattended, and nurses experience different levels of this phenomenon.

Objectives:

This study aims to investigate the factor structure of the Persian version of the Moral Distress Scale–Revised in intensive care and general nurses.

Research design:

This methodological research was conducted with 771 nurses from eight hospitals in the Mazandaran Province of Iran in 2017. Participants completed the Moral Distress Scale–Revised, data collected, and factor structure assessed using the construct, convergent, and divergent validity methods. The reliability of the scale was assessed using internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, Theta, and McDonald’s omega coefficients) and construct reliability.

Ethical considerations:

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.

Findings:

The exploratory factor analysis ( N = 380) showed that the Moral Distress Scale–Revised has five factors: lack of professional competence at work, ignoring ethical issues and patient conditions, futile care, carrying out the physician’s orders without question and unsafe care, and providing care under personal and organizational pressures, which explained 56.62% of the overall variance. The confirmatory factor analysis ( N = 391) supported the five-factor solution and the second-order latent factor model. The first-order model did not show a favorable convergent and divergent validity. Ultimately, the Moral Distress Scale–Revised was found to have a favorable internal consistency and construct reliability.

Discussion and conclusion:

The Moral Distress Scale–Revised was found to be a multidimensional construct. The data obtained confirmed the hypothesis of the factor structure model with a latent second-order variable. Since the convergent and divergent validity of the scale were not confirmed in this study, further assessment is necessary in future studies.
SIL: Value Chain and Strategic Choices
Authors: Jajja M. Shakeel S. , Hassan Syed Zahoor
Published: December 2017

Prior to 2011, Service Industries Limited’s (SIL) production for the Pakistani market was sold through the marketing and retailing network of Service Sales Corporation (SSC), as both SIL and SSC were owned by the Service Group. However, in 2011, the companies parted ways based on two main conditions. First, SSC would continue to buy shoes worth at least PKR 3.8 billion from SIL till 2021. Second, SIL would give exclusive license to SSC to use Servis brand for the shoe business till 2021.

Omar Saeed, CEO of SIL, is reflecting on the previous four years’ performance for the shoe business division. It has not met the sales target for 2014, domestic sales are dependant on SSC and Klara (SIL’s own brand of wholesale), the European market is presurizing SIL to reduce prices as well as provide high variety and low volume orders, and more efforts need to be made to utilize SIL’s manufacturing facilities. Omar has to make SIL’s strategy for 2021, when SSC may not be there to give business worth PKR 3.8 billion, as well as plan the necessary roadmap. SIL’s top management wants to see SIL as a global player in its line of business.
Ending institutions: Rule enforcement in self-governance systems
Authors: Pedro Antonio C
Published: December 2017

How are rules enforced in the absence of an organization with coercive powers? I examine the role of informal institutions in supporting self-enforcement of rules through ethnographic research on a popular form of community-based gambling in the Philippines. In ending, a reputation-based mechanism shapes exchange relations between bettors and bet-takers, and among members of a local community. Social norms about sharing one’s winnings ( balato) provide community members with an interest in the outcome of these exchange relations, thereby strengthening the ability of bettors to acquire information about the reputation of various bet-takers. In consequence, bet-takers exert efforts to safeguard their reputation, and comply with informal rules about the immediate and complete delivery of winnings. The findings suggest that when communities are small enough so that members are able to observe each other, but not too small so that no individual possesses all the relevant information, then social norms that generate effective transmission of reputational information provide sufficient institutional support for self-governance.
MYTH TROUBLES: An Open-Source Educational Game in Scratch for Greek Mythology
Authors: Evangelopoulou Olympia , Xinogalos Stelios
Published: December 2017

Background. Educational games are nowadays used for facilitating the teaching and learning process of various subjects. History is one of the subjects that simulations and games are used for promoting active learning and supporting students in comprehending various history-related subjects.

Aim. This article reports on a new educational game on Greek mythology, called MYTH TROUBLES, designed and developed from scratch with the aim of supporting primary school students in studying Greek mythology and raising their interest on the subject of history.

Method. The article presents the educational rationale and design of MYTH TROUBLES in the context of an educational games design model proposed in the literature. Since the game was implemented with the platform of Scratch and it is available online both for students (or anyone interested in Greek Mythology) and game developers, some information for its implementation is also provided. The results of a pilot evaluation of MYTH TROUBLES with the help of 21 experienced school teachers are presented, along with proposals for improvement and extension of the game.

Results. Teachers evaluated positively MYTH TROUBLES in terms of acceptability, usability, utility as an educational tool, as well as its interface and game play and expressed their willingness to use it in the classroom.

Conclusions. MYTH TROUBLES is considered appropriate by teachers for supporting the teaching and learning of Greek mythology and assessing its educational value in class is the next step. Scratch is appropriate for implementing such educational games and sharing them with interested players and game developers.
Effect of Multitasking on Simulator Sickness and Performance in 3D Aerodrome Control Training
Authors: Yörük Açıkel Birsen , Turhan Uğur , Akbulut Yavuz
Published: December 2017

Background. Air traffic controllers need to use their cognitive resources to cope with multiple tasks while monitoring air traffic. They are trained through advanced 3D simulators; however, they might demonstrate simulator sickness symptoms during this training. The relationship between multitasking and simulator sickness and the influence of different tasks on these variables can be investigated to inform further training practices for an efficient traffic monitoring.

Purpose. The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to explore the influence of different working positions and multitasking scenarios on simulator sickness and performance in 3D Aerodrome Control Training.

Method. Thirteen undergraduate students from a civil aviation school participated in a time-series experimental design. Nausea, disorientation and oculomotor disturbances were measured before and after conducting different multitasking scenarios in an aerodrome control simulator. A 20-item simulation performance scale was also used. Performance differences and the relationship between simulator sickness and performance were addressed through parametric tests.

Results. Findings revealed that tower-ground positions created higher levels of nausea. Performance scores varied in different scenarios. Simulator sickness was higher in females. Total sickness correlated negatively with performance in all scenarios.

Conclusion. Certain tasks have different influences on both simulator sickness and performance. Concurrent multitasking seems to trigger simulator sickness further. The degree of simulator adaptation, test anxiety and physiological measures of the process should be considered in further research.
Long-Term Lifestyle Intervention in Elderly With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Chang Shu-Hung , Chien Nai-Hui , Yu Ching-Yi
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a long-term community-based lifestyle intervention on the biochemical indicators and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among elderly adults. This was a randomized controlled trial in northern Taiwan from August 2013 to February 2015. Sixty-nine elderly adults participated in this study. There were three measurements. The experimental group participated in exercise and diet interventions. The control group participated in the exercise intervention. Repeated measurement and ANCOVA were performed to evaluate the effectiveness. After 18 months, body weight (1.06 kg), body mass index (1.21 kg/m2), waist circumference (3.32 cm), blood pressure, and prevalence (30.4%) of metabolic syndrome were significantly reduced in all subjects. There were significant differences in waist circumference and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol between the two groups. This intervention can lower the indicators and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Exercise and diet interventions could promote further metabolic changes.
Relation of Reinforcement Sensitivity on Vocational Interest and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Baker Dustin F. , Larson Lisa M. , Seipel Matthew T.
Published: December 2017

Using the constructs of the behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS), as defined by the reinforcement sensitivity theory of personality, the purpose of this study was to determine new linkages between personality traits and interest/self-efficacy across Holland’s hexagon. Specifically, it was proposed that (a) the BAS would positively relate to global liking of vocational interest and negatively relate to global disliking of interest; (b) the BAS would positively relate to enterprising interest and social/enterprising self-efficacy; and (c) the BIS would negatively relate to realistic interest and self-efficacy in a sample of 265 college students. The hypotheses were mostly supported. The BAS was found to be meaningfully positively related to (a) global liking of vocational activities, (b) enterprising interest, and (c) social and enterprising self-efficacy. The BIS was found to be meaningfully negatively related to realistic interest but not realistic self-efficacy. Limitations, implications, and future research are discussed.
Incidence and Management of Thrombotic and Thromboembolic Complications Following the Superior Cavopulmonary Anastomosis Procedure: A Literature Review
Authors: Agarwal Arnav , Firdouse Mohammed , Brar Nishaan , Yang Andy , Lambiris Panos , Chan Anthony K. , Mondal Tapas Kumar
Published: December 2017

The objective of this literature review was to estimate the incidence of thrombosis and thromboembolism associated with the superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (SCPA) procedure and its variants and to examine current thromboprophylaxis regimens utilized. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to August 2017 for all prospective and retrospective cohort studies explicitly reporting incidence of thrombosis, thromboembolism, or shunt occlusion in neonates, infants, and children undergoing 1 or more variants of the SCPA procedure. End points included thrombotic events and thromboembolic events (strokes and pulmonary embolisms) as primary outcomes, and overall mortality as a secondary outcome, at the last available follow-up time point. Of 1303 unique references identified, 13 cohort studies were deemed eligible. Reported incidence of thrombosis and thromboembolic events ranged from 0% to 28.0% and from 0% to 12.5%, respectively. Reported incidence of major bleeding events ranged from 0% to 2.9%. Reported overall mortality ranged from 2.5% to 50.5% across studies. Thromboprophylaxis protocols varied across institutions and studies, most commonly involving unfractionated heparin (UFH), warfarin, enoxaparin, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), or combinations of ASA and warfarin, ASA and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), UFH and LMWH, and UFH and ASA; several studies did not specify a protocol. Due to substantial variability in reported event rates, no clear correlation was identified between prophylaxis protocols and postoperative thrombotic complications. Despite guidance recommending postoperative UFH as standard practice, thromboprophylaxis protocols varied across institutions and studies. More robust trials evaluating different thromboprophylaxis regimens for the management of these patients are warranted.
Prostacyclins in Cardiac Surgery: Coming of Age
Authors: Deshpande Seema P. , Mazzeffi Michael A. , Strauss Erik , Hollis Allison , Tanaka Kenichi A.
Published: December 2017

Prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2 [PGI2]) is an eicosanoid lipid mediator produced by the endothelial cells. It plays pivotal roles in vascular homeostasis by virtue of its potent vasodilatory and antithrombotic effects. Stable pharmacological analogues of PGI2 are used for treatment of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure. PGI2 dose dependently inhibits platelet activation induced by adenosine-5′-diphosphate, arachidonic acid, collagen, and low-dose thrombin. This property has led to its use as an alternative to direct thrombin inhibitors in patients with type II heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) undergoing cardiac surgery. The aims of this review are the following: (1) to review the pharmacology of PGI2 and its derivatives, (2) to present the evidence for their use in pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure, and (3) to discuss their utility in the management of HIT in cardiac surgery.
Evaluating the Contribution of the Built Environment on Obesity Among New York State Students
Authors: Dwicaksono Adenantera , Brissette Ian , Birkhead Guthrie S. , Bozlak Christine T. , Martin Erika G.
Published: December 2017

Objectives. One third of school-aged children in New York State (NYS) are overweight or obese, with large geographic disparities across local regions. We used NYS student obesity surveillance data to assess whether these geographical variations are attributable to the built environment. Method. We combined NYS Student Weight Status Category Reporting System 2010-2012 data with other government publicly available data. Ordinary least squares regression models identified key determinants of school district–level student obesity rates for elementary and middle/high schools. Geographical weighted regression models explored spatial variations in local coefficients of the built environment predictors. Results. From ordinary least squares models, higher farmers’ market density was only significantly associated with lower obesity rates among elementary school students (b = −0.116; p < .01). Higher fast-food restaurant density was significantly associated with higher obesity rates (b = 0.014; p < .05), and higher land use mix was only significantly associated with lower obesity rates (b = −0.054; p < .01) among middle/high school students. In geographical weighted regression analyses, the inverse association between market density and obesity rates among elementary school students was more pronounced in the eastern portion of the state. The relationship between higher fast-food restaurant density and higher obesity rates among middle/high school students was found in the southeastern portion of the state. Conclusions. Different patterns of food consumption may explain varying determinants of obesity between younger and older students. Regional variations in local associations between the built environment variables and obesity may suggest differences in how healthy food sources are accessed locally.
Managing the sublime aesthetic when communicating an assessment regime: The Burkean Pendulum
Authors: Kofinas Alexander
Published: December 2017

The importance of understanding students’ engagement is prominent in higher education. Assessment is the main driver of student engagement, a phenomenon known as backwash. I propose in this paper that students’ engagement with learning is often driven by an aesthetic motivation. I establish the connections between Burke’s (and Kant’s) conceptualisation of aesthetics as a dichotomy of beauty and the sublime (which I label the Burkean Pendulum) to motivation. I explore the links between this aesthetic motivation and the assessment regime focussing on the Burkean/Kantian sublime and suggest four communication strategies that can help manage the sublime when it arises in students’ education journeys. Thus, my contributions are twofold: firstly, I introduce the Burkean Pendulum as a means for educators to reflect on the aesthetic aspects of their designed assessment regimes. Secondly, I propose a framework of communication strategy narratives (Thriller, Horror, Exploration and Action) that could be used to manage the sublime of the assessment regime.
Awareness of ‘sound’ in nursing homes: A large-scale soundscape survey in Flanders (Belgium)
Authors: Aletta Francesco , Vander Mynsbrugge Tara , Van de Velde Dominique , De Vriendt Patricia , Thomas Pieter , Filipan Karlo , Botteldooren Dick , Devos Paul
Published: December 2017

There are relatively few studies on the acoustic environment of care facilities. However, sound is an important component of the users’ experience and quality of life in these spaces, and particularly in nursing homes, where both staff and residents have medium- to long-term perspectives, contrarily to hospital settings. This study included an online large-scale survey for nursing homes in Flanders and it targeted the group of professionals. It aimed at providing an overview about noise sensitivity and sound perception of the staff members in their work environment, as well as investigating the potential effects on sound perception of staff role and context. Results showed that limited differences emerged for staff roles, while more differences were found when exploring the context factor. Overall, the results of this study claim for further attention on the management and design of the sound environment in these facilities.
Party novelty and congruence: A new approach to measuring party change and volatility
Authors: Sikk Allan , Köker Philipp
Published: December 2017

We propose a new three-dimensional approach to party newness and an interval index of party congruence/novelty. Building on this, we also propose a split-vote-by-congruence (SBC) approach to electoral volatility that employs the index. Four elections from different countries that exhibited different forms of party change are used to illustrate the approach. The congruence/novelty index corresponds to our qualitative case knowledge, and the SBC approach leads to meaningful volatility scores. Ad hoc coding of parties as new/old or singular successors/predecessors can seriously over- or underestimate volatility that explains divergence among volatility scores in literature. By eliminating the need for dichotomous and often controversial coding decisions, the SBC approach allows for a substantially more reliable calculation of volatility.
Factors associated with parents’ levels of stress in pediatric wards
Authors: Tsironi Spyridoula , Koulierakis George
Published: December 2017

Hospitalization of a child is a stressful experience, increasing parents’ anxiety and deteriorating their satisfaction with the health-care services. This study aimed to assess the level of stress that parents of hospitalized children experienced and evaluate the association of parent’s stress and satisfaction and identify its predictors. Three hundred and fifty-two parents whose children were hospitalized in two pediatric hospitals were enrolled in the study, from February 2015 to April 2015. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to estimate parental stress and the Pyramid Questionnaire was used for assessing parents’ overall satisfaction with care. Parents expressed mild to moderate overall levels of stress. Less-stressed parents felt more satisfied. Being single ( p < .001), having lower educational level ( p = .005), one’s child been hospitalized for more than 14 days ( p = .001), and one’s have visited the hospital many times in the past ( p = .014) were the predictors of experiencing high levels of stress. During pediatric hospitalization, parental needs (communication, interpersonal health care, continuous information, involvement in child’s care) should be considered, so as stress levels to be decreased and parents get more satisfied by the quality of health care provided.
Comparative dynamic investigation of cross-laminated wooden panel systems: Shaking-table tests and analysis
Authors: Hristovski Viktor , Mircevska Violeta , Dujic Bruno , Garevski Mihail
Published: December 2017

Cross-laminated timber has recently gained great popularity in earthquake-prone areas for construction of residential, administrative, and other types of buildings. At the Laboratory of the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology in Skopje, comparative full-scale shaking-table tests of cross-laminated timber panel systems have been carried out as a part of the full research program on the seismic behavior of these types of wooden systems, realized by Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology, Skopje, and the Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering (UL FCG), University of Ljubljana. Two different specimens built of cross-laminated timber panels have been tested: specimen containing a pair of single-unit principal wall elements (Specimen 1) and specimen containing a pair of two-unit principal wall elements (Specimen 2). In this article, the results from the shaking-table tests obtained for Specimen 2 and numerically verified by using appropriate finite element method–based computational model are discussed. Reference is also made to the comparative analysis of the test results obtained for both specimens. One of the most important aspects of the research has been the estimation of the seismic energy-dissipation ability of Specimen 1 and 2, via calculation of the equivalent viscous damping using the performed experimental tests. It is generally concluded that Specimen 2 exhibits a similar rocking behavior as Specimen 1, with similar energy-dissipation ability. Both specimens have manifested slightly different dynamic properties, mostly because Specimen 2 has been designed with one anchor more compared to Specimen 1. Forced vibration tests have been used for identification of the effective stiffness on the contacts for Specimen 2. This research is expected to be a contribution toward clarification of the behavior and practical design of cross-laminated timber panel systems subjected to earthquake loading.
Microbiological air contamination in university premises and the evaluation of drug resistance of staphylococci occurring in the form of a bioaerosol
Authors: Wolny-Koładka Katarzyna , Malinowski Mateusz , Pieklik Anna , Kurpaska Sławomir
Published: December 2017

The aim of this research was to evaluate exposure to microbiological aerosol of persons staying in selected office and teaching areas of the university premises. The number and biodiversity of microorganisms constituting the bioaerosol, in particular the Staphylococcus spp., and their drug resistance profile, were determined. Moreover, the influence of temperature, level of airborne particle concentration and the type of ventilation on the number of microorganisms was analysed. The monitoring was carried out using the MAS-100 impactor. The level of airborne particle concentration was measured using the DustTrak II dust meter. The analysis of drug resistance level of staphylococci was carried out using the disk-diffusion method. On the basis of research conducted, the highest microbiological air contamination was found in the biomass lab, due to the research carried out there. On the other hand, no unequivocal link between the concentration of microorganisms present in the air and the type of ventilation used was found. Airborne particles concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 exceeded the standard limit values – therefore the air was classified as contaminated. In the sampled air, multi-resistant staphylococci were found, which may pose an epidemiological threat to persons staying in the analysed premises.
Artikel
Authors: Ramstedt Mats
Published: December 2017

■ Aims

The study investigates to what extent changes in the numbers of hospital inpatients with an alcohol diagnosis can be used as an indicator of trends in alcohol-related harm in the Swedish population.

■ Data and Methods

Changes in alcohol-related inpatient treatment are compared with trends in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related mortality between 1987 and 2003 by means of a graphical presentation and a correlation analysis. The data on alcohol-related inpatient treatment and alcohol-related mortality come from the Centre for Epidemiology at the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, and the data on alcohol consumption from both official statistics and survey studies.

■ Results

Between 1987 and 1998, the number of patients with an alcohol diagnosis decreased although alcohol consumption and alcohol-related mortality remained relatively unchanged. After that, alcohol consumption has increased markedly. At the same time, the total number of patients treated has remained unchanged, whilst increases have occurred in the number of patients with an alcohol diagnosis in somatic inpatient treatment, in the proportion of patients with an alcohol diagnosis and in the number of patients with alcohol poisoning, liver disease or pancreatitis. At the same time, a decrease has occurred in the number of alcohol patients in psychiatry and the number of patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence.

■ Conclusion

The total number of inpatients with an alcohol diagnosis should not be used as an indicator of changes in alcohol harm because the decreases in the number of patients in psychiatry seem to be due to the reorganisation of treatment, that is, reductions in bed places and a possible shift towards outpatient treatment. A more stable measure is the number of patients in somatic inpatient treatment, together with a few specific diagnoses, such as liver disease, pancreatitis and alcohol poisoning. A more complete picture of changes in alcohol-related harm in treatment, however, requires more information about the trends in outpatient treatment.
Artikel
Authors: Sabroe Knud-Erik , Sabroe Svend , Laursen Lau
Published: December 2017

In 2002, an extensive follow-up of a 1996 alcohol survey was undertaken in Denmark. A mail-distributed questionnaire was sent to a representative population of 3120 adult Danes with a response rate of 56.4%. The questionnaire comprised 37 questions on alcohol (subdivided) and 6 on illegal substances. The present article focuses on three questions on the compulsory treatment for alcoholics and one question about the compulsory removal of children from alcoholic families. The results show a that a majority of 53% support compulsory treatment of alcoholics and that percentages as high as 80, 83 and 79% are supporting respectively compulsory treatment of pregnant alcoholics, alcoholics who have children, and compulsory removal of children from alcoholics. The results are broken down according to sex (no differences), age (no differences), education (the higher the education the less support, but still a majority) and economics (the better economy the less support, but still a majority). For average consumption the results demonstrate a correlation between high consumption and low levels of support for compulsory treatment, while a majority of those respondents who themselves drink more than 21 units per week disapproved of compulsory treatment. The survey responses on the issue of the removal of children from alcoholics demonstrate a considerable rise in restrictiveness since 1996.
Treatment of what?
Authors: Edman Johan
Published: December 2017

■ Aims

The aim of this article is to investigate the problem formulations – the preconceptions about causes and effects and the possible solutions to the problems of alcohol abuse – that characterized the compulsory institutional care of alcohol abusers in Sweden in the 20th century. The article focuses on problem formulations that actually were practised in the institutions.

■ Methods & Data

The main source material is to be found in the archives of four institutionalized care establishments and consists of official reports, correspondence, supply estimates, circulars for consideration and – above all – patient records. From this material you can learn about the institutions' struggle for autonomy, expansion and legitimacy, and also about the clients' characteristics and how the clients were viewed. The study of the archives allows you to form a picture of the problem formulations that affected the activities in the institutions directly, a picture that goes beyond the more abstract expectations preferred by official reports and legislation.

■ Results

Within the compulsory institutional care actually carried out, the problem formulations that were stipulated in the gender-neutral legislation and vague regulations became gender-specific and precise. The treatment of alcohol abusers was a class and gender related project, aiming not only at encouraging male diligence and the fulfilling of a man's maintenance obligation but also at female virtuousness and concern for the family.

■ Conclusions

The history of alcohol abusers' treatment shows that alcohol itself has been a secondary factor in problem definitions which have let themselves be attached – via perceived links with either cause or effect – to more overarching social issues in Sweden. The concerns of emergent family policy in the 1940s, the developmental optimism and scientistic passions of the 1950s, and the systemically critical protest movements of the 1970s are all clearly reflected in trends within social care services for alcohol abusers – albeit much more often at the level of discourse than of praxis.
Alcohol and drug prevention in Norwegian work life
Authors: Frøyland Kjetil , Grimsmo Asbjørn
Published: December 2017

Aim

This article discusses Norwegian employers' and employees' way of dealing with alcohol- and drug use among colleagues. The article outlines steps made in Norwegian companies to prevent alcohol- and drug problems among employees.

Methods

Interviews have been carried out in 50 companies belonging to different business fields. A national survey has been carried out among 890 companies.

Results

About 40% of Norwegian businesses have organized alcohol or drug preventive programs in the workplace. We have found many different versions of programmes, most of them based on a few main models for alcohol- and drug prevention in the workplace. It is first and foremost in the large companies that such programmes are implemented. The prevention programmes are often directed at helping individuals with serious drinking problems, or at the establishment of a workplace program. Our data, however, indicate that most employees stay passive and rarely intervene in relation to emerging alcohol- or drug problems among colleges. The issue of alcohol- and drug use is experienced as a difficult topic to relate adequately by employers as well as employees. Only 9% of Norwegian businesses think that they are actually working towards the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse.

Conclusions

Our data show that several methods for alcohol and drug prevention in the workplace exist, but that they should be practised to a larger degree. The shift to primary prevention directed at the entire workforce seems to have not yet reached companies and employees in Norwegian work life. Changes in direction towards more health promotion, early and primary intervention are suggested.
An organizational sociological approach to implementation of evidence-based practice in substance abuse treatment.
Authors: Vind Leif
Published: December 2017

Aims

During the last 10 years researchers in the field of substance abuse treatment have found most of the treatment organisations quite research and innovation resistant according to adopting the concept of evidence-based practice. It is the aim of this paper to show that the treatment services are not resistant to research and innovation, but they are organized around some organizational principles that are hardly compatible to the principles embedded in evidence-based practice.

Methods & Data

This study includes a mapping of the service structure and the treatment method's (evidence-based and not-evidence-based) in 21 outpatient treatment services for adolescent with substance abuse problems.

Results

The treatment services showed not to be occupied by implementing evidence-based practice, but were at the same time open for adoption of innovations in treatment structure and method's, which indicates that they are not resistant to innovations.

Conclusions

In this paper the self-organization of the treatment centres is analysed through a new institutional theory approach, and it is described how the institutional orientation of the treatment centres exclude an adoption of the concept of evidence-based practice. It is suggested that the researchers should shift focus from the inability of the treatment organizations to develop evidence-based practice, and instead focus on how to build up an evidence-based infrastructure in which the producers of evidence-based knowledge and the treatment organizations can obtain knowledge of each others work.
Udviklingen i Danskernes Holdninger til Alkoholforbrug og Alkoholpolitiske Spørgsmål
Authors: Elmeland Karen , Villumsen Susanne
Published: December 2017

Danish alcohol policy is known to be liberal even if from the middle of the 1990s it has been going in a more restrictive direction. The most important Danish policy instrument has been education and information, where policymakers have attempted to change alcohol habits by changing public attitudes to alcohol consumption and possible regulations. The aim of this article is to examine whether Danish attitudes to governmental alcohol policy instruments and regulations have changed during the last 20 years – and if so, what directions these changes have taken. Five surveys on alcohol consumption and opinions on different alcohol policy instruments and regulations – from 1984, 1989, 1994, 1997/98 and 2002 – have been examined. All five surveys are cross-sectional studies with populations of representative samples of the Danish population age 18”70 yrs. Comparative analysis has been carried out on questions from the different surveys relating to opinions on: alcohol prices and taxation, alcohol and work, drinking alcohol in public places, compulsory treatment, experienced harms and inconveniences caused by intoxicated persons, and the physical availability of alcohol. The results show that Danish attitudes on alcohol policy instruments and regulation seems to go in two directions – when it comes to prising and taxation, drinking in public places, and availability, the changes in attitudes point in a more liberal direction, while when it comes to young peoples access to alcohol, compulsory treatment, and intoxication, changes in attitudes point in a more restrictive direction.
Sociala Nätverk och Socialt Stöd i Återhämtningsprocessen från Alkoholmissbruk
Authors: Levälahti Johanna
Published: December 2017

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of social networks in the recovery process from alcohol misuse.

Data

Narrative interviews with eleven former alcoholics where thematic questions about social networks were asked. The informants were recruited through newspapers, social- and health care workers, alcohol therapists and AA-groups.

Method

The interviews were analysed using the method “part and content” for narrative analyse of Lieblich et al. (1998). Social networks—formal, contextual and informal—provide different kinds of social support: emotional, instrumental, informational and existential. Social networks and social support were studied during three phases of the informants' lives: during addiction, at the turning point and during maintenance of sobriety.

Results and Conclusions

The results show that emotional support, in the form of availability to other persons and good treatment, were the most important kinds of support, although other forms of support could also be essential. All kinds of networks provide social support in different life phases. The importance of the informal networks seems to increase during the maintenance of a resolution to stop drinking.