bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central arterial and peripheral arterial blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing versus not undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Sun Liping , Zhou Ru , Zhang Xinzhou
Published: December 2019

Objective

We assessed the consistency of noninvasive and invasive measurements of central arterial pressure (CAP) and the difference between peripheral brachial artery pressure and CAP in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing versus not undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

This single-center cross-sectional study was performed from May to December 2018. The patients were divided into a control group (n = 50), CKD group (stages 3–5, n = 50), and dialysis group (n = 20), and all underwent measurement of peripheral humeral arterial pressure and noninvasive and invasive measurement of CAP. Group differences and correlations between CAP and peripheral arterial pressure were assessed.

Results

The consistency between noninvasive and invasive CAP was better in the control and CKD groups than in the dialysis group. In the dialysis group, the noninvasive equipment underestimated the actual CAP. The CAP was close to the peripheral brachial artery pressure in the dialysis group, while the CAP was significantly lower than the peripheral brachial artery pressure in the control and CKD groups.

Conclusion

Noninvasive equipment underestimates the actual CAP in patients undergoing dialysis and should be used with caution. The difference between the peripheral arterial pressure and CAP was smaller in patients undergoing dialysis than in patients with CKD and controls.
Management of testicular torsion <360° in children: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Guo Xiang , Sun Lan , Lei Wei , Li Shuang , Guo Hui
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aimed to summarize clinical manifestations, and physical examination, laboratory examination, and ultrasound results of children with testicular torsion <360°.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of children who were diagnosed with testicular torsion <360° between October 2007 and October 2017.

Results

There were 11 (19.2%) patients with testicular torsion of 90°, 33 (58.0%) with 180°, and 13 (22.8%) with 270°. The median age of onset was 5.7 years (range, 1–14 years) and the median duration of symptoms was 4.2 days (range, 0.5–5 days). Ultrasound showed low blood flow in 46 (80.8%) patients. The testis was retained in 41 (72.0%) patients and resected in 16 (28.0%). The testes appeared necrotic at 2 to 3 days after onset for patients with 270° torsion, appeared necrotic at 3 to 4 days after onset for those with 180° torsion, and were not necrotic at 4 to 5 days after onset for those with 90° torsion. The duration of symptoms in children decreased as the torsion angle increased.

Conclusion

Children with testicular torsion <360° are relatively young, while the duration of symptoms is relatively long. A high postoperative testicular survival rate is one of the clinical features in this study.
The negative impact of market-discrimination CSR: How do consumers respond to perceived company greed?
Authors: Lim Myungsuh
Published: December 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is reported to have a positive effect on corporate image. However, if companies that have entered different markets implement market-discrimination CSR, which refers to unfairly applied CSR policies in the intermarket, and if the consumer recognizes this fact, the CSR effects will be diminished. To prove this, this research investigated consumers’ adverse reactions when a company that implements market-discrimination CSR faces a crisis. According to the results of this study, consumers who perceived company greed as evidence of a company practicing market-discrimination CSR activities experienced pleasure at the misfortune which called schadenfreude when the company faced a crisis and schadenfreude positively affected the argument strength of a rumor. Finally, the argument strength of a rumor has a positive effect on the consumer’s intention to spread the rumor as an act of revenge against the company. The results of this research suggest that CSR, which aims to build a positive corporate image, can have an adverse effect when it is felt that it is used to discriminate against consumers. Based on these results, this research presents theoretical and practical implications.
Delinquency Among Turkish Adolescents: Testing Akers’ Social Structure and Social Learning Theory
Authors: Solakoglu Ozgur , Yuksek Durmus A.
Published: December 2019

The purposes of this study are to examine how social learning processes and social structure correlate with delinquency among Turkish adolescents and to articulate to what extent Akers’s social structure and social learning (SSSL) theory explains delinquency in Turkey, which is a different cultural context from Western countries in terms of family structure, level of collectivism or individualism, religion, belief systems, and norms. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing the first study testing Akers’s theory in the Turkish context. Analyses, relying on a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework, showed that the social learning process accounted for a substantial amount of variation in explaining adolescent delinquency. We also found that social learning process somewhat mediates social structural effects on delinquency.
Upper Extremity and Hip Range of Motion Changes Throughout a Season in Professional Baseball Players
Authors: Chan Justin M. , Zajac John , Erickson Brandon J. , Altchek David W. , Camp Christopher , Coleman Struan H. , Dines Joshua S.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Loss of upper and lower extremity range of motion (ROM) is a significant risk factor for injuries in professional baseball players.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to determine changes in ROM in professional baseball players over the course of a single season and their careers. We hypothesized that pitchers and position players would lose ROM, specifically total shoulder motion (total ROM [TROM]) and hip internal rotation (IR), over the course of a season and their careers.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Upper and lower extremity ROM measurements were recorded during pre-, mid-, and postseason on all professional baseball players for a single organization between 2011 and 2018. ROM measurements were compared for pitchers and position players over the course of the season and their careers. Also, ROM measurements over the pre-, mid-, and postseason were compared between pitchers and position players.

Results:

A total of 166 professional baseball players (98 pitchers, 68 position players) were included. Pitcher hip external rotation (ER; P < .001), IR ( P = .010), and TROM ( P < .001) for lead and trail legs decreased over the course of the season. Pitcher shoulder ER ( P = .005), TROM ( P = .042), and horizontal adduction ( P < .001) significantly increased over the course of the season. Position player shoulder flexion ( P = .046), hip ER ( P < .001, lead leg; P < .001, trail leg), and hip TROM ( P = .001; P = .002) decreased over the course of the season. Position player shoulder ER ( P = .031) and humeral adduction ( P < .001) significantly increased over the course of the season. Over the course of pitchers’ careers, there was decreased shoulder IR ( P = .014), increased shoulder horizontal adduction ( P < .001), and hip IR ( P = .042) and hip TROM ( P = .027) for the lead leg. Position players experienced loss of hip TROM ( P = .010, lead leg; P = .018, trail leg) over the course of their careers. Pitchers started with and maintained more shoulder ER and gained more shoulder TROM over a season as compared with position players.

Conclusion:

Pitchers and position players saw overall decreases in hip ROM but increases in shoulder ROM over the course of the season and career.
Comparison of the Perspective of a “Good Death” in Older Adults and Physicians in Training at University Hospitals
Authors: Limpawattana Panita , Srinonprasert Varalak , Manjavong Manchumad , Yongrattanakit Kongpob , Kaiyakit Sawadee
Published: December 2019

Background: It is important to enhance physicians’ understanding of patients’ wishes at the end of life (EOL) for improving palliative care system. Method: This was a cross-sectional study aimed to examine and compare the preferences and perceptions of elderly patients and physicians regarding what they feel constitutes a good death. Participants were asked about their preferences, and physicians were also asked the care they would recommend for patients. The participants’ results were compared, as were the physicians’ preferences regarding their own care and that regarding patients’ EOL care. Results: A higher proportion of patients than physicians wished to be conscious toward the last hour of life and to pass away at home. The higher proportion of physicians agreed with most of the statements on the questionnaire when asked about their EOL care than when asked about that of patients, particularly not prolonging suffering. Conclusion: There were some differences between patients’ and physicians’ preferences regarding EOL care. Better communication between them may help to close this gap.
A Retrospective Study Reviewing Interprofessional Advance Care Planning Group Discussions in Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Proof-of-Concept and Feasibility Study
Authors: Grossman Daphna , Katz Amanda , Lock Karen , Caraiscos Valerie B.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of reflection and discussion wherein a patient, in consultation with a health-care provider, family, and/or loved ones, clarifies values and treatment preferences and establishes goals, including a plan for end-of-life (EOL) care. Advance care planning encompasses appreciating and understanding illness and treatment options, elucidating patient values and beliefs, and identifying a substitute decision maker (SDM) or designating a power of attorney (POA) for personal care. These discussions have proven to be effective in improving patient–family satisfaction, reducing anxiety regarding EOL care in patients and family members, and improving patient-centered care by empowering patients to direct their care at EOL. However, ACP conversations are often difficult to have due to the sensitive nature of such discussions.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine whether group facilitation for teaching and discussing ACP enhances participants’ understanding of ACP and allows them to feel comfortable and supported when discussing these sensitive issues.

Methods:

Patients who were registered in North York General Hospital’s (NYGH) pulmonary rehabilitation program from June 2016 until August 2017 were given the opportunity to attend two 1-hour sessions related to ACP. The first session was dedicated to educating patients on ACP, explaining the hierarchy of the SDM and the role of the POA for personal care. The second session, provided a short time later, was devoted to discussions of values, wishes, fears, and trade-offs for future medical and EOL care. These discussions led by the supportive care nurse practitioner and a physician who are members of the NYGH Freeman Palliative Care Team were held in a group-facilitated format. Anonymous feedback forms, including both qualitative and quantitative feedback, were completed by the participants and analyzed.

Participants:

Analysis of a sample of 30 participants who attended 1 or 2 of the ACP sessions revealed that 21 identified as female and 9 identified as male. The average age of the participants was 76 years.

Findings:

Participants felt the content was relevant to their needs and were comfortable asking questions with all feedback averages ranging from good to very good. Participants appreciated the opportunity to share their thoughts in an open and interactive format.

Conclusion:

Discussing issues relevant to ACP, including providing information about ACP, sharing fears, wishes, and tradeoffs, were well-received in a group-support environment. Future studies should assess the impact of ACP group discussion on the individual, such as identifying a POA, having discussions regarding wishes and values with the SDM/POA, and examining the clinical impact of such sessions.
Experimental investigation of flame propagation in a meso-combustor
Authors: DuttaRoy Rahul , Chakravarthy SR , Sen Ashis Kumar
Published: December 2019

The present work aims to study the quenching of propagating flames in meso-combustors for which dimensions are of the order of quenching distances of hydrocarbon fuels. Combustion of gaseous fuels and subsequent flame propagation in a meso-scale combustor duct of square cross-section is studied experimentally. Premixed mixtures of methane, propane, and ethylene with air are considered. Two different variants of flame propagation states are found to occur in the meso-combustor, viz., one undergoing flame propagation till the combustor entry and quenching at the step and the other undergoing wall quenching. Regime transitions across these flame states are mapped comprehensively over a wide range of operating conditions. The radius of curvature of the flame and the dead space between the flame and the wall are determined for those conditions with the aid of curve fitting and image processing techniques using Matlab software. The spatial and temporal variation of both these parameters show a drastic increase during quenching in the wall-quenched case, while it remains nearly constant in the step quenched case. With increasing duct Reynolds number, the flame propagates slower, and the heat conduction to the wall leads to a decrease in the dead space and flattening of the flame, particularly at equivalence ratios corresponding to lower flame speeds. This flame-wall interaction is found to be low for methane, resulting in more heat loss and thereby wall-quenched flames compared to propane and ethylene. None of the ethylene flames were found to suffer wall quenching thereby making it a suitable fuel for meso-/micro-combustors among the three fuels used in the present work.
The fiscal and equity impact of social tax expenditures in the EU
Authors: Barrios Salvador , Coda Moscarola Flavia , Figari Francesco , Gandullia Luca , Riscado Sara
Published: December 2019

Tax expenditures (TEs) are preferential tax treatments granted to specific individuals or categories of households, with the aim of achieving social and economic goals. They are widely used by EU Member States. However, their fiscal and equity impacts are not always clear and their effectiveness and efficiency as a policy instrument need to be carefully evaluated, especially in the present context of constrained public finances. This article quantifies the fiscal and equity effects of social TEs related to housing, education and health in 28 European countries making use of EUROMOD, the EU-wide microsimulation model. We find a variety of effects, in terms of sign and magnitude, across Member States, and within these, among types of households. Overall, our findings suggest that the impact of TE on tax revenues and on income inequalities can be sizable. The redistributive impact of removing TEs can go in both directions, either on the progressive or regressive side, depending on the country and the TE considered.
World war and welfare legislation in western countries
Authors: Obinger Herbert , Schmitt Carina
Published: December 2019

This article examines the impact of the two world wars on welfare legislation in 16 western countries. We use Poisson regressions to test our hypothesis that war was a catalyst of welfare legislation, especially in countries that were heavily exposed to the dreadful effects of war. By welfare legislation, we mean the inaugural adoption and major reforms across four programmes (old age and disability benefits, sickness and maternity benefits, unemployment compensation and family allowances). Our findings suggest that both world wars are key factors for explaining the timing of comprehensive welfare reforms and outweigh the significance of other factors such as regime type or level of economic development.
Shari‘a Courts in the Ottoman Empire Before the Tanzimat
Authors: Aykan Yavuz , Ergene Boğaç
Published: December 2019

This article describes the history, features and functions of the Islamic law courts in the Ottoman Empire before the Tanzimat era. After briefly surveying of the roots of this institution in pre-Ottoman settings, the article focusses on how Ottoman administrators and juridical experts built on this legacy. Later, the article discusses the modern scholarly literature on the court in a way to reflect on its prevalent tendencies.
Vanuatu Psychiatry Mentorship Programme: a case illustrating cultural and clinical considerations
Authors: Obed Jimmy , Bush Allister , Stathis Stephen , Hunter Ernest
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

The objectives of this article are to describe a case highlighting challenges in managing an acute psychiatric presentation, the process of mentorship and the significance of cultural matters influencing family engagement in Vanuatu.

Method:

Case description.

Results:

This case highlights resourcing constraints facing a small mental health team in the Pacific, the clinical significance of the concept of tabu in a ni-Vanuatu context and the importance of family decision making processes in ni-Vanuatu culture.

Conclusion:

A structured mentoring programme to foster mental health capacity development in Vanuatu can support psychiatric decision-making in complex cases, reflection on the role of culture in formulation and family engagement, and mutual learning.
“It’s Like a Death Sentence but It Really Isn’t” What Patients and Families Want to Know About Hospice Care When Making End-of-Life Decisions
Authors: Tate Channing E. , Venechuk Grace , Brereton Elinor J. , Ingle Pilar , Allen Larry A. , Morris Megan A. , Matlock Daniel D.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Hospice is underutilized, due to both lack of initiation from patients and late referral from clinicians. Prior research has suggested the reasons for underuse are multifactorial, including clinician and patient lack of understanding, misperceptions about the nature of hospice care, and poor communication during end-of-life discussions about hospice care. Little is known about the decisional needs of patients and families engaging in hospice decision-making.

Objectives:

To understand the decisional needs of patients and families making decisions about hospice care.

Methods:

We conducted focus groups with family caregivers and hospice providers and one-on-one interviews with patients considering or enrolled in hospice care. We identified participants through purposeful and snowball sampling methods. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Results:

Four patients, 32 family caregivers, and 27 hospice providers participated in the study. Four main themes around decisional needs emerged from the interviews and focus groups: (1) What is hospice care?; (2) Why might hospice care be helpful?; (3) Where is hospice care provided?; and (4) How is hospice care paid for?

Discussion:

Hospice may not be the right treatment choice for all with terminal illness. Our study highlights where patients’ and families’ understanding could be enhanced to assure that they have the opportunity to benefit from hospice, if they so desire.
Retrospective Analysis of Adverse Drug Events Between Nafcillin Versus Cefazolin for Treatment of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Infections
Authors: Chan Lynn , Chan-Tompkins Noreen H. , Como James , Guarascio Anthony J.
Published: December 2019

Background: Nafcillin or cefazolin are drugs of choice for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections. Prior studies indicate a higher incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) with nafcillin, although AKI classification and time to occurrence is not well described. Objective: To characterize the incidence and time to adverse drug events for nafcillin versus cefazolin in the inpatient setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study evaluated hospitalized, adult patients receiving intravenous nafcillin or cefazolin for treatment of MSSA infection. Incidence and time to AKI based on RIFLE criteria were measured. Secondary end points included antibiotic discontinuation and incidence of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated transaminases, and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Results: Of 324 patients who received nafcillin (n = 119) or cefazolin (n = 205), higher rates of AKI were found for nafcillin versus cefazolin (19% vs 2%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Median time to AKI with nafcillin was 6.5 days (range, 3-14 days). The majority of patients were classified as RIFLE “Risk” stratum. Nafcillin treatment discontinuations were more frequent than for cefazolin (17.6% vs 0.9%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Nafcillin was an independent predictor of AKI (odds ratio = 12.4; 95% CI = 4.14-47.60, P < 0.0001). No differences in neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated transaminases, or CDI were observed. Conclusion and Relevance: Nafcillin displayed higher rates of AKI at a median of 1 week of therapy, which provides a framework for clinician monitoring and consideration of antibiotic modification. Most patients developed “Risk” class AKI (RIFLE classification), which may be reversible with prompt intervention.
Verbal Aggression Among Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Teacher Perceptions of Harm, Levels of Concern, and Relationship With Certification Status
Authors: Smith Stephen W. , Poling Daniel V. , Worth Megan R. , Zhou Sherry J. , Taylor Gregory G.
Published: December 2019

Students who exhibit emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) typically have high frequencies of disruptive and noncompliant behavior including physical and verbal aggression (VA). Physical aggression attracts great concern from school professionals yet VA is often overlooked, despite being a highly pervasive and harmful social act. We surveyed 279 first to 12th grade teachers of students with EBD to assess their perceptions about the harmfulness of VA, students’ intent to harm, their concern about the frequency and/or intensity of VA, and concern about types of verbally aggressive messages. We investigated if these perceptions differed when teachers considered students with EBD compared with typical peers and if special education certification related to responsiveness to VA. The majority of teachers reported that VA was either somewhat or very harmful and perceived students with EBD to be just kidding around and not intending to hurt others when perpetrating VA. Compared with noncertified colleagues, certified teachers reported more concern about VA, more intent to harm when students with EBD exhibit VA, and they were more likely than their noncertified counterparts to report the use of a structured intervention/curriculum to reduce VA. We discuss implications for special education teacher preparation and offer suggestions for further research.
Aeroelastic analysis of pre-stressed variable stiffness composite panels
Authors: Rasool Mehnaz , Singha Maloy K
Published: December 2019

The effect of in-plane stresses on the stability behaviors of constant stiffness and variable stiffness composite panels, exposed to aerodynamic pressure, is studied using the finite element method. The dynamic pressure from the high velocity airflow is evaluated from the first-order piston theory, and the eigenvalue analysis is performed to investigate the flutter or divergence type of instabilities in such composite panels under combined mechanical and aerodynamic loads. Attempt is made to understand the effect of the lamination parameter on the stability characteristics of edge-supported and cantilever composite trapezoidal panels. Finally, the limit cycle oscillation of variable stiffness plates subjected to aerodynamic pressure is investigated.
Can States Promote Minority Representation? Assessing the Effects of the California Voting Rights Act
Authors: Collingwood Loren , Long Sean
Published: December 2019

One goal of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) is to broaden representation in largely White-controlled city councils state-wide by incentivizing cities to shift council electoral jurisdictions from at-large to single-member districts. However, little research has investigated whether the CVRA helped contribute to increased minority representation at the city level. This article employs matching and difference-in-difference methods to determine whether cities that switched to district elections as a result of the CVRA enhanced city council diversification. By comparing matched treatment and control group’s racial composition of city councils before and after fully switching from at-large to district election jurisdictions, we estimate the average treatment effect (ATE) of city switching on minority city council representation at 10% to 12%. Further analysis reveals treatment effects are larger among cities with larger shares of Latinos (21%). Thus, states seeking to increase local-level minority representation should consider policies similar to those found in the CVRA.
Balloon catheter dilation as the primary treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Gazit Inbal , Pras Eran , Or Lior , Hartstein Morris E
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to report the outcome of balloon catheter dilation as the primary treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children of all ages.

Methods:

A 10-year retrospective study of 148 children (270 eyes), aged 9 to 159 months (mean age: 29.6 ± 17.7 months), who previously had not undergone a nasolacrimal surgical procedure and who presented with clinical signs of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, was conducted. All children underwent balloon catheter dilation of the nasolacrimal duct.

Results:

Treatment success, defined as complete resolution of nasolacrimal duct obstruction symptoms present at follow-up visits at 1 week and up to 6 months after surgery, was 87% (234 of 270 eyes). Partial success was defined as occasional tearing which was acceptable to parents and present in 3% (nine eyes). Only 10% of the children underwent a second procedure due to complete failure. In a sub-analysis by age groups—under 18 months, between 18 and 36 months, and above 36 months—complete resolution rates were 85%, 93%, and 77%, and partial success rates were 3%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the age groups ( p = .007).

Conclusion:

In this large cohort of patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction, balloon catheter dilation was successful as a primary treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, particularly under the age of 36 months.
Reoperation in esotropic Duane retraction syndrome: Long-term motor outcome of superior rectus transposition
Authors: Magli Adriano , Rombetto Luca , Esposito Veneruso Paolo
Published: December 2019

Aim:

The aim was to evaluate the long-term motor outcome of superior rectus transposition procedure in patients affected by unilateral esotropic Duane retraction syndrome with residual esotropia and anomalous head position.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients affected by esotropic Duane retraction syndrome who underwent superior rectus transposition procedure as reoperation for residual esotropia and/or residual anomalous head position. Amount of deviation, anomalous head position, duction limitation, globe retraction, presence of upshoot/downshoot, and vertical deviation were analyzed before and after superior rectus transposition procedure.

Results:

Twenty patients were selected. All patients underwent unilateral medial rectus recession or bilateral medial rectus recession, for unilateral esotropic Duane retraction syndrome at least 2 years before superior rectus transposition reoperation. Mean age at surgery (superior rectus transposition) was 12 ± 6.8 years, and the follow-up period was 2.7 ± 0.6. Mean deviations at distance and near before surgery were 19.5 ± 5.7 and 15.2 ± 6.8, respectively. Two patients showed upshoot. Head turn was 11.4 ± 5.1°; abduction limitation was −2.6 ± 0.9. After superior rectus transposition, all patients showed an improvement of esotropia at distance and near (8.1 ± 5.7 and 5.1 ± 5.6, respectively; p < 0.05), anomalous head position (5.6 ± 3.9°; p < 0.05), and abduction limitation (−2.3 ± 0.8; p < 0.05). No statistically significant changes occurred in globe retraction. No adduction limitation, vertical deviation, and upshoot/downshoot were present after superior rectus transposition procedure. Results were stable during follow-up.

Conclusion:

Superior rectus transposition procedure is an effective procedure in esotropic Duane retraction syndrome patients who previously undergone unilateral/bilateral medial rectus recession, with residual esotropia and anomalous head position. It allows improvement of esotropia, head turn, and partial recovery of abduction in a significant percentage of patients (30%) with no vertical complications.
Indian intermediaries in new media: Mainstreaming the margins
Authors: Mehta Smith
Published: December 2019

This article foregrounds the significant transformations within the nature and role of Indian intermediaries such as talent agents and multichannel networks (hereafter, MCNs) in the new screen ecology. Building on previous findings (Cunningham and Craig, 2019; Boyle, 2018 ; Lobato, 2016; Roussel, 2017 ), I contend that intermediaries exercise a strong influence over streaming platforms as well as content creators through role playing as producers, facilitators and enablers of media talent and content. Through diversification in media management activities across traditional and new media, the intermediaries have successfully readjusted their image from marginalized invisible middlemen to proactive media industry trendsetters. The MCNs and talent agents have been instrumental in developing revenue circuits through their distinct industrial and cultural practices. In doing so, both these entities have diversified from their defined business operations to create their niche by identifying the demands of the evolving Indian media landscape. In charting out their evolving dynamics, my study critically analyses intermediary transactions to offer a revisionist account of their industrial practices.
Excessive hospitality: Personhood, moral boundaries and domination around the Georgian table
Authors: Curro Costanza
Published: December 2019

This article investigates the making of personhood through conspicuous hospitality practices in the Republic of Georgia, focusing on how this process has underpinned moral boundary drawing in Georgia’s recent history – from the late Soviet era, through the 1990s, to the years following the Rose Revolution in 2003. Largely perceived and defined as tradition by local people and external observers, hospitality is a powerful device to organise social relationships and exchanges in the community. Excess is a fundamental feature of hospitality practices: people spend many hours around the table displaying, offering and consuming plenty of food and alcoholic drinks and engaging in conspicuous bodily gestures and speech. Analysing literary and media sources and data collected through participant observation and follow-up interviews, the article explores the way in which shifting moral boundaries drawn upon hospitality practices have transformed domination and counter-domination patterns in Georgian society. From a unifying marker of Georgians’ positive distinctiveness vis-à-vis other people, hospitality’s excesses became a token of increasing socio-economic inequality. The analysis contributes to the understanding of consumption, especially in its excessive aspects, as a fundamental element in the making of individual and collective personhood, which, in turn, shapes boundaries of exclusion and inclusion within and across smaller and larger communities.
Planning as scientific discipline? Digging deep toward the bottom line of the debate
Authors: Behrend Lukas , Levin-Keitel Meike
Published: December 2019

One of the oldest questions of spatial planning is about the profession itself. Because of the direct fields of application on the urban or regional scale, or on sectorial fields like transport or environmental planning, scholars in planning sciences always quarreled with themselves whether their approaches can be seen as discipline itself. Regardless of the different answers and outcomes of this question, it becomes clear that the debate triggers more than just the acceptance as a discipline. One might think that the scientific nature of spatial planning and thus the raison d’être of planning sciences are under general suspicion. This requires a deeper discussion about the definition of sciences and the demarcation problem as discussed in classical (Popper, Kuhn) and more contemporary approaches (Hoyningen-Huene, Park) in the philosophy of science, and what this means for the discussion about spatial planning as a science as well as a discipline. Therefore, various conclusions to regard planning sciences not as one discipline but as multiple disciplines are possible. In this sense, let us dig deep toward the bottom line of the debate.
Effect of profile and reinforcing the surface layers on bending behavior of 3D multi-cell spacer weft-knitted composites
Authors: Hosseini Shahla-Sadat , Hasani Hossein , Ajeli Saeed
Published: December 2019

3D multi-cell spacer-knitted reinforced composites are composed of knitted layers which are joined together by multiple fabric connecting layers. Despite numerous capabilities, they demonstrate inferior bending performance due to their highly looped construction as well as low fiber volume fraction. Bending characteristics could be enhanced by inserting the warp and weft yarns through the fabric’s surface layers in wale and course directions. This research aims to investigate the role of reinforcing warp and weft yarns and structure profile on bending behavior of the composites produced from 3D multi-cell spacer-knitted fabrics. 3D multi-cell spacer-knitted fabrics were produced with rectangular cross-sectional shape in single- and double-decker profiles on a computerized flat-knitting machine. The surface layers of both 3D multi-cell spacer-knitted fabrics were reinforced by glass straight yarns in course and wale directions. The produced fabrics were used to fabricate thermoset 3D composites using epoxy resin via vacuum-assisted resin-transfer method. Composite samples were subjected to three-point bending load. Statistical analysis revealed that the composite profile and presence of the reinforcing warp and weft yarns affect significantly the flexural properties of 3D-knitted composites. Accordingly, introduction of the reinforcing straight yarns causes an increase in maximum bending force by 75 and 62.5% for single and double-decker structures, respectively. In order to understand how the tensile and compressive stresses are distributed on the 3D-knitted composite structure as well as to predict their mechanical behavior, a macro-mechanical model was created in the ABAQUS software.
Poly(vinyl acetate)-coated jute fabric reinforced polyester composite with enhanced mechanical performance: Interfacial hydrogen bond and autohesion mechanism
Authors: Nath Devarun , Debnath Sayandeep , Datta Mallika , Chakrabarti Sumona , Ghosh Shankha , Ghosh Biman
Published: December 2019

The current research was conducted to determine the effect of pre-heating and coating of jute fabric with poly(vinyl acetate) for the improvement of the mechanical performance of jute fabric reinforced unsaturated polyester resin composite. Six different types of composites were manufactured through the implementation of hand lay-up method. The application level of 200 g of poly(vinyl acetate) per square meter of jute fabric leads to enhanced mechanical property of the composite. The optimum dose of coating showed improvement of 31%, 42.1%, and 35.7% in tensile strength, interlaminar shear strength, and flexural strength respectively in juxtaposition to preheated and untreated jute fabric-based the composite, whereas impact strength gained 59.7%. Such considerable increase in the mechanical performance is the result of strong interfacial adhesion ascribed to autohesion of unsaturated polyester resin with poly(vinyl acetate) and building of hydrogen bond between jute and poly(vinyl acetate) as supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optical microscopy of cross-sections of each sample revealed the homogeneity and distribution of coating thicknesses of poly(vinyl acetate). The characterisation of fractured surfaces of composite under tensile loading was carried out by scanning electron micrograph. The thermal behaviour of composite samples was examined by differential scanning calorimetry. The degree of curing of composite samples was typically found to be 72%. Water absorption reduced to its half by the virtue of gradual decrease in void content from 9.52% to 4.87%.
Fabricating electronic textile using nano MnO2/polyaniline composites for capacitor device
Authors: Attia R M , Yousif N M , Helal R H , Ali N M
Published: December 2019

In this study, cotton fabric was employed to achieve electronic textile by incorporating nano MnO2 and polyaniline as conductive materials. The treatment was accomplished via two consecutive steps, where different concentrations of MnO2 were initially applied by the ultrasound-assisted template method onto the cotton samples to synthesize nanoMnO2. The nano form of the metal oxides and polyaniline inclusion were demonstrated through a transmittance electron microscope. Thereafter, chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline over the nano metal oxide–loaded fabrics was performed. Structure, phase, and purity of as-treated fabrics were determined using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal properties of the fabricated conductive samples were also tested. The electrical conductivity of the obtained (nano MnO2/polyaniline) modified cotton fabrics showed great enhancement by exposing the modified samples to gamma irradiation, as a posttreatment, to reach an optimum condition at 40 kGy, using 0.2 M MnO2. The recorded increment for electric conductivity was from 5.4 × 10−3 to 1.43 × 10−1 Ω−1. m−1 for both unirradiated and 40 kGy irradiated samples, respectively. Pseudo-capacitance of cotton/MnO2/polyaniline fabric electrode was tested using a three-electrode system. The assumption of (nano MnO2/polyaniline) cotton fabric conductivity was verified through a designed pseudo-capacitor as an important yet simple form of an energy storage device.
Medication Adherence of Latino Children and Caregivers: An Integrative Review
Authors: Foronda Cynthia L. , Muheriwa Sadandaula Rose , Fernandez-Burgos Margo , Prather Susan , Nersesian Paula
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

There are significant disparities in medication adherence among underserved minority groups such as Latinos. Adherence to medication is a primary determinant of treatment success. Little is known about medication adherence among Latino children. This integrated review aims to describe what is known about medication adherence among Latino children and explore barriers and facilitators to medication adherence.

Method:

This review was guided by Whittemore and Knafl’s method of integrative review and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement.

Results:

Of the 20 articles reviewed about medication adherence among Latino children, the analysis of these articles revealed four major themes: (1) low adherence, (2) low adherence associations, (3) child outcomes, and (4) effective interventions.

Conclusion:

Health practitioners should consider medication adherence associations and interventions when collaborating with the family caregiver to improve child outcomes.
Dynamic hydrothermal synthesis of xonotlite fibers by alkali silica extraction of fly ash
Authors: Peng Xu
Published: December 2019

The silica leached from coal fly ash using alkali, via the hydrothermal method, can be used as the raw material for the synthesis of xonotlite fibers through the hydrothermal synthesis method. This investigation was made to examine how the fly ash desilicated liquid influences the crystal growth and microstructure of xonotlite fibers. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope techniques to investigate their mineralogical composition and morphological characteristics. The results indicated that the pure desilication liquid leached from coal fly ash could be used to prepare xonotlite fibers. Xonotlite fibers with single crystal characteristics and large aspect ratio of 100–400 were successfully fabricated from fly ash desilication liquid, which is used as the silica material, at 240°C for 6 h.
A data-driven estimation method for potential passenger demand of last trains in metro based on external traffic data
Authors: Li Wei , Luo Qin
Published: December 2019

The last train problem for metro is especially important because the last trains are the last chances for many passengers to travel by metro; otherwise, they have to choose other traffic modes like taxis or buses. Among the problems, the passenger demand is a vital input condition for the optimization of last train transfers. This study proposes a data-driven estimation method for the potential passenger demand of last trains. Through the geographic information, external traffic data including taxi and bus are first analyzed separately to match the origin–destination passenger flow during the last train period. A solving solution for taxi and bus is then developed to estimate the potential passenger flow for all the transfer directions of the target stations. Combining the estimated potential passenger flow and the actual passenger flow obtained by metro smart card data, the total potential passenger demand of last trains is obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated using a real-world metro network. This research can provide important guidance and act as a technical reference for the metro operations on when to optimize the last train transfers.
Three-objective optimization of a mixed-flow pump impeller for improved suction performance and efficiency
Authors: Kim Sung , Kim Yong-In , Kim Jin-Hyuk , Choi Young-Seok
Published: December 2019

In this article, design optimization was carried out to improve the suction performance and efficiency of a mixed-flow pump impeller. Commercial computational fluid dynamics code and a response surface method were used in the optimization to design a mixed-flow pump impeller. When it comes to a mixed-flow pump, the two main research objectives namely efficiency and suction performance tend to contradict. It is very important that the design technology improves the suction performance while maintaining high efficiency. Meridional plane and vane plane development variables were defined in the design of the impeller. The meridional plane expresses the shapes and sizes of the blades, while the vane plane development describes the impeller inlet and outlet angles as well as the blade angle distribution. The blade angle distribution of the impeller was designed using the traditional method by which inlet and outlet angles are connected smoothly. The surface response method was applied to the design variables of the impeller inlet part in this design optimization because they influence the performance of the mixed-flow pump. Objective functions were set to satisfy the total head at the design flow rate as well as to improve efficiency and suction performance. Design variables of the impeller inlet part of the mixed-flow pump and the changes in performance were analyzed in order to produce the optimal shape. The performance of the optimally designed shape was verified by numerical analysis, and the reliability of the test result was checked by comparative analysis against the reference model.
Aspiration thrombectomy for the management of acute deep venous thrombosis in the setting of venous thoracic outlet syndrome
Authors: Teter Katherine , Arko Frank , Muck Patrick , Lamparello Patrick J , Khaja Minhaj S , Huasen Bella , Sadek Mikel , Maldonado Thomas S
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome, known by the eponym Paget–Schroetter syndrome, is seen in healthy, young individuals with “effort-induced thrombosis.” Endovascular therapies, including catheter-directed thrombolysis, have been described in the acute management of the upper extremity deep venous thrombosis; however, we assessed the technical success of treating this entity using a mechanical aspiration thrombectomy system.

Methods

This was a multi-center retrospective review of patients with venous thoracic outlet syndrome with acute thrombosis treated with the Indigo continuous aspiration mechanical thrombectomy system. Charts from patients with venous thoracic outlet syndrome and acute deep venous thrombosis treated with this system at our institution along with three data sharing locations were reviewed for demographics, deep venous thrombosis risk factors, imaging modalities used for diagnosis, extent of axillosubclavian deep venous thrombosis, treatment details, adjunctive therapies, and complications. The primary outcome was technical success (resolution of >70% of thrombus).

Results

There were 16 patients (50% male) with a mean age of 33 years (range 17–69 years). Six patients had underlying venous thromboembolism risk factors including use of contraceptives ( n = 2), prior deep venous thrombosis ( n = 3), and known thrombophilia ( n = 1). Fifteen patients had complete venous occlusion, and the extent of venous involvement included subclavian ( n = 14), axillary ( n = 16), and brachial ( n = 7). The majority (81.25%) of patients were treated in a single setting, and technical success was achieved in all cases with the use of adjunctive therapies. Only three patients required additional overnight thrombolytic therapy.

Conclusions

The Penumbra Indigo system, often in combination with adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis and venoplasty, is a safe and effective device for the treatment of acute upper extremity deep venous thrombosis in the setting of Paget–Schroetter syndrome. No patients experienced central embolization or post-operative renal insufficiency. One-third of patients avoided any additional catheter-directed thrombolysis exposure, and technical success was achieved in all cases. A single bleeding complication was observed in a patient undergoing overnight adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis. All patients maintained patency until time of first rib resection.
The Need to Refocus on the Group as the Site of Radicalization
Authors: Smith Laura G. E. , Blackwood Leda , Thomas Emma F.
Published: December 2019

The past decade has witnessed burgeoning efforts among governments to prevent people from developing a commitment to violent extremism (conceived of as a process of radicalization). These interventions acknowledge the importance of group processes yet in practice primarily focus on the idiosyncratic personal vulnerabilities that lead people to engage in violence. This conceptualization is problematic because it disconnects the individual from the group and fails to adequately address the role of group processes in radicalization. To address this shortcoming, we propose a genuinely social psychological account of radicalization as an alternative. We draw on recent developments in theory and research in psychological science to suggest that radicalization is fundamentally a group socialization process through which people develop identification with a set of norms—that may be violent or nonviolent—through situated social interactions that leverage their shared perceptions and experiences. Our alternative provides a way of understanding shifts toward violent extremism that are caused by both the content (focal topics) and process of social interactions. This means that people’s radicalization to violence is inseparable from the social context in which their social interactions take place.