bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature effect on the mechanical properties of GF/pCBT and its nanosilica-modified composites
Authors: Liang Wenyan , Sun Yongyang , Yang Bin , Wang Fangxin , Guo Yu , Yu Wenfeng
Published: July 2020

Glass fiber/polymerized cyclic butylene terephthalate (GF/pCBT) and its nanosilica-modified thermoplastic composites were manufactured via vacuum-assisted molding pressing process. Subsequently, the effects of temperature and nanosilica fillers on the macroscopic mechanical behavior of glass fiber-reinforced pCBT composites were discussed. Failure morphologies of specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental results show that pure GF/pCBT composites have good mechanical properties, whereas their half-strength degradation temperature ( TS = 0.5) is relatively lower. It is also found that nanosilica-modified composites have higher heat resistance performance, and TS = 0.5 point of the modified composites enhanced by 10°C. SEM observations show that the smooth fracture surface in the broken composites appears at higher temperatures, which indicates that the toughness of nanosilica-modified GF/pCBT composites is improved.
Evaluation of Cost, Workflow, and Safety of Implementing a Vial Transfer Device for Ready-to-Mix Drugs at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Tran Lena K. , Anger Kevin E. , Dell’Orfano Heather , Rocchio Megan A. , Szumita Paul M.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the cost, workflow, and safety of implementing a vial transfer device system.

Methods:

In this retrospective analysis, pharmacy systems and electronic health record reports identified high-volume and high-cost medications prepared by a Vial2Bag® (V2B) system from July 2017 to June 2018. The major outcome was the extrapolated yearly cost avoidance (EYCA) from utilization of a V2B system, calculated by subtracting total costs of the V2B system from total cost of ready-to-use products and locally compounded sterile products. Secondary outcomes included a workflow and safety analysis.

Results:

Implementing a V2B system led to a total EYCA of $2 295 261. A total of 283 209 potential V2B units were available for dispensing from automated dispensing systems and 41 082 yearly sterile product room units were avoided. A 0.02% safety report incidence per V2B administration was calculated at our institution.

Conclusion:

Use of a V2B system resulted in a substantial cost avoidance compared to purchasing commercial products and preparing locally compounded sterile products. The V2B system appears to be a safe addition to further optimize workflow but may require further investigation in prospective analyses.
Robust adaptive anti-windup wheel slip tracking control for intelligent vehicle with fast terminal sliding mode observer
Authors: Zhang Jiaxu , Zhou Shiying
Published: July 2020

Aiming at the requirement of the intelligent vehicle for the fast and stable tracking control of the wheel slip, a novel robust adaptive anti-windup wheel slip tracking control method with fast terminal sliding mode observer is proposed. First, a fast terminal sliding mode observer based on equivalent control on the sliding surface is proposed to estimate the states of the wheel slip dynamic system to lay the foundation for the full state feedback control law design. Second, a robust adaptive anti-windup wheel slip tracking control law with lumped uncertainty observer and additional anti-windup dynamics is derived based on Lyapunov-based method. The lumped uncertainty observer utilizes the nonlinear mapping ability of the radius basis function neural network to estimate and compensate the lumped uncertainty of the system, and the unknown optimal weight vector of the radius basis function neural network is updated by adaptive law. The additional anti-windup dynamics is used to suppress the effect of the input saturation on the stability of the system. Finally, the performance of the proposed method is verified through simulations of various maneuvers on vehicle dynamics simulation software.
Measuring technical inefficiency and CO2 shadow price of Korean fossil-fuel generation companies using deterministic and stochastic approaches
Authors: Oh Dong-Hyun , Ahn JongWuk , Lee Sinwoo , Choi Hyundo
Published: July 2020

This paper measures the technical inefficiency and the shadow price of Korean fossil-fuel generation companies (GENCOs) between 2001 and 2016 at the firm-level. To obtain robust empirical results, this study employs both commonly used deterministic and stochastic estimation methods. The empirical results are as follows: the inefficiency estimates are approximately 0.09 (deterministic) and 0.08 (stochastic); the estimates of CO2 shadow price, in KRW/tCO2, are 82,758 (deterministic) and 49,830 (stochastic), which shows high volatility in the annual average shadow price. In addition, we find that the results of the deterministic method without any random errors show a large variation in the trends of technical inefficiency and shadow price, while the stochastic method with random errors yields only moderate volatility. Our empirical results are expected to assist policymakers in determining how much potential mitigation can be achieved through improved efficiency, and the range of the CO2 shadow price will contribute to more efficient policy tools.
Coping Strategies Used by Aging Parental Caregivers of Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Marsack-Topolewski Christina N. , Wilson Kaitlyn P.
Published: July 2020

Caregiving can be a lifelong responsibility for parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined coping strategies and barriers experienced by parents of adult children with ASD. The 51 parents who participated in this study were at least 50 years old and had an adult child (18+) with ASD. Semistructured, one-on-one interviews were conducted with parents to understand their experiences of having an adult child with ASD. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, thematic analysis revealed seven themes related to parents’ coping strategies or lack thereof. Themes discussed include faith/spirituality, physical activity/fitness, self-focused coping, work, acceptance, reliance on social support, and barriers to coping. Most parents discussed having at least one coping strategy, with some sharing multiple strategies.
Percutaneous Transosseous Suture Fixation of the Akin Osteotomy and Minimally Invasive Chevron for Correction of Hallux Valgus
Authors: Liszka Henryk , Gądek Artur
Published: July 2020

Background:

The objective of the study was evaluation of the clinical and radiologic outcomes and complications following the minimally invasive chevron procedure employing the Akin osteotomy with percutaneous transosseous suture as compared to screw fixation.

Methods:

Between 2018 and 2019, the authors performed 103 minimally invasive chevron (MIC) with Akin osteotomies. In 54 patients, the Akin osteotomy was performed with screw stabilization (group A), and in 49 with percutaneous transosseous suture (group B). Preoperatively and 1 year later, the authors employed anteroposterior and lateral weightbearing radiographs of the feet to evaluate interphalangeal angle (IPA), distal phalangeal articular angle (DPAA), proximal phalangeal articular angle (PPAA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and functional result using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale. Furthermore, all additional procedures and complications were recorded.

Results:

Both groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of the value of HVA (group A: from 34.1° to 14.0°, group B: from 33.6° to 13.0°), DPAA (group A: from 12.1° to 4.0°, group B: from 11.5° to 3.4°), PPAA (group A: from 4.6° to 1.7°, group B: from 4.3° to 1.5°), IMA (group A: from 15.1° to 8.0°, group B: from 14.7° to 7.5°) and IPA (group A: from 14.1° to 6.3°, group B: from 12.9° to 5.1°). Functional improvement as measured using the AOFAS scale was achieved in both groups (group A: from 42 to 90 points, group B: from 40 to 89 points). No cases of bone nonunion or delayed union and permanent damage to the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve were seen. Two group B patients underwent conversion of the fixation of the Akin osteotomy to screws, 3 patients had their MICA screws and 1 Akin screw removed in the outpatient setting.

Conclusion:

The minimally invasive chevron osteotomy with transosseous suture stabilization of the Akin osteotomy was a safe method with good functional results that were comparable to the outcomes achieved when using screw fixation.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Motivations for Police Support of Domestic Violence Response Team Implementation With Advocates
Authors: Johnson Laura , Davidoff Elisheva , DeSilva Abigail R.
Published: July 2020

In New Jersey, collaboration between police departments and advocates from domestic violence organizations is mandated by state policy, which requires law enforcement agencies to participate in domestic violence response teams (DVRTs). The purpose of this study is to examine factors that motivate police officers to implement DVRT. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with DVRT coordinators and domestic violence liaison police officers. Findings suggest that police motivation for implementing the intervention is often influenced by perceived benefits to police response and investigation, perceived benefits to victims, the need to comply with mandates, and recognition of domestic violence as a serious crime.
Real-world evidence of poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors in the treatment of ovarian cancer: A systematic literature review
Authors: Borrelli Eric P , McGladrigan Conor G
Published: July 2020

Objective

The treatment landscape for ovarian cancer has shifted in recent years with the approval of poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors in 2014. Most patients with ovarian cancer have advanced disease at diagnosis. Understanding how treatments for advanced disease work in real-world settings must be assessed to provide care for these patients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to locate and assess real-world studies measuring the safety and effectiveness of poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors and analyze the results. Data sources: A targeted systematic literature review was conducted in April 2020 of PubMed/Medline. Inclusion criteria consisted of observational studies using real-world data of olaparib, rucaparib, or niraparib as an intervention in the treatment of ovarian cancer. In addition, studies needed to assess either clinical effectiveness or safety. Once studies were identified, we aimed to narratively describe the studies’ patient population, intervention effectiveness, and/or safety. Data summary: Our systematic review identified six studies assessing the real-world effectiveness and/or safety of poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, with five assessing olaparib, one assessing poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors as a composite, and none assessing either niraparib or rucaparib. The median progression free survival in the real-world trials for olaparib ranged from 12.7 to 15.6 months. The median overall survival in the real-world trials for olaparib ranged from 30.9 to 35.4 months. Rates of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events for olaparib ranged from 4.4% to 12.5%.

Conclusions

The identified studies showed slightly higher, but comparable results for median progression free survival, median overall survival, and discontinuation due to adverse events compared to the respective randomized controlled trials.
Optimization of dry sliding wear parameters of recursive friction stir processed aluminium 7075 alloy
Authors: Girish G , Anandakrishnan V
Published: July 2020

In this work, the dry sliding wear behaviour of recursively friction stir processed AA7075 was investigated using a pin-on-disc wear testing apparatus. The microstructure of the processed specimen was probed using optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Experiments were conducted using Taguchi experimental design by varying three different parameters like load, sliding velocity and sliding distance, and the analysis of variance was performed to identify the influence of the parameters over the wear rate. From the main effect plot, the combination of 9.81 N of load, 2 m/s of sliding velocity and a sliding distance of 2000 m was identified as the optimum levels that minimize the wear rate. The regression model was developed to calculate the wear rate, and the validation test was performed with the optimum parameter combination and compared with the experimental results. Wear tracks were examined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy to identify the type of wear mechanism.
The potential of Lesson Study in primary physical education: Messages from a longitudinal study in Japan
Authors: Kihara Seiichiro , Jess Mike , McMillan Paul , Osedo Kazuki , Kubo Kenji , Nakanishi Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the view that Lesson Study has the potential to make a significant contribution to future developments in primary physical education. To set the paper in context, we explore the concerns that have long been voiced about primary physical education, particularly the nature of the professional development experiences of generalist primary class teachers. Contemporary approaches to teachers’ professional development, one of which is Lesson Study, are presented as having some potential in addressing these concerns as they are focused on teacher collaboration, autonomy and agency. Building on this background, the paper reports on a longitudinal physical education Lesson Study investigation that took place in one primary school in Japan: a country where Lesson Study has been a key feature of teachers’ professional development for more than a century. Working with 30 teachers over a three-year period, the findings highlight how the long-term, collaborative and situated nature of the Lesson Study experience helped create a positive context for the teachers’ professional development in physical education. Specifically, the findings reveal that the shared planning, observation and reflective experiences over time helped the teachers develop a more positive and detailed view of physical education. The paper concludes by proposing that Lesson Study, as a long-term, collaborative and situated endeavour, has the potential to foster productive developments in generalist teachers’ enactment of the primary physical education curriculum.
Remarks on optimization of impact damping for a non-ideal and nonlinear structural system
Authors: Silva Marcelo A , Wahrhaftig Alexandre M , Brasil Reyolando MLRF
Published: July 2020

It is intended, in this work, to present some research results on the optimization of an impact damper for a structural system excited by a non-ideal power source. In the model, the impact vibration absorber is, basically, a small free mass inside a box carved in the structure that undergoes undamped linear motions colliding against the walls of the box. Whenever the mass shocks against the walls of the box, an exchange of kinetic energy between the mass and the structure may be used to control the amplitude of the dynamic response of the structure. In this work, the structure is excited by a non-ideal power source, a DC electric motor installed on it, which may present the Sommerfeld effect. A non-ideal power source is one that interacts with the motion of the structure as opposed to an ideal source whose amplitude and frequency are fixed, independent of the displacements of the structure. Here, the dynamic response of the system is computed using step-by-step numerical integration of the equations of motion derived via a Lagrangian formulation. The optimization problem is defined considering as the objective function the maximum amplitude of the structure displacement, while the design variables are the weight of the free mass and the width of the carved box. Using the augmented Lagrangian method, several optimization problems are formulated, and, solving them, the best design to maximize the efficiency of the impact damper is obtained.
Professional identity construction among social work agencies
Authors: Yang Hui , Wang Ruxin , Chen Honglin
Published: July 2020

Social work agencies in China are encountering issues like lack of social perception, social recognition, and public participation and insufficient competitiveness of their professional services. To discuss solutions to these problems, this study adopts a different perspective than existing studies, focusing on professional identity construction among social work agencies. It provides an effective theoretical framework that includes value, contextual, and symbolic identity construction embedded in the Chinese administrative institution.

Findings

Positive and negative factors influencing the construction of professional cultural, status, and brand identity among social work agencies and approaches are identified. In the context of government purchasing of public services, the professional cultural identity of Chinese social work agencies can integrate with traditional Chinese culture and Western social work values to enhance the cultural consciousness and introspection of agencies. Professional status identity helps agencies access government resources and establish professional authority. Professional brand identity can increase the identification of the agencies under the political features of party construction. The combination of the three can promote the development of Chinese social work.

Applications

Professional identity construction offers a new perspective to improve the credibility, competitiveness, and public recognition of social work agencies in China to attract social participation and perform the function of social governance more effectively. Social organizations can improve their professional status and brand identities by refining their professional cultural and promotional systems, fostering the development of institutional credibility, and cultivating professional service projects.
Sovereign dupes? Representations, conventions and (un)sustainable consumption
Authors: Jack Tullia
Published: July 2020

If resource intensive practices are regularly represented as conventional, these potentially become naturalised and inconspicuous consumption will increase. Understanding how representations, conventions and everyday practices interact is thus fundamental in tackling unsustainable consumption. To gain new insights into how representations, conventions and practices interact, this paper explores how people respond to cleanliness representations in Swedish media. Cleanliness is chosen as a case for its role in accelerating water and energy consumption ( Shove, 2003 ), and Sweden where cleanliness activities are in line with upward trends (Jack, 2017). Focus-group participants read magazines, discuss content and how it relates to their lives. Cleanliness is perceived as being intertwined with a host of co-conventions such as freshness, health, femininity, masculinity, sustainability, et cetera. Participants have strategies to receive and resist representations, and are especially averse to representations that they suspect are meant to increase consumerism. Dilemmas for participants do not arise from deciding when or how to receive or resist representations. The real dilemmas arise when integrating meanings into everyday life practices given the multiplicity of meanings. Participants see conventions as influencing wider society, but see themselves as individuals critically interacting with representations, a sovereign dupe 1 juxtaposition.
Adoption of services and apps on mobile phones by micro-entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Paas Leonard J , Eijdenberg Emiel L , Masurel Enno
Published: July 2020

This article shows that acquisition pattern analysis is highly suited for research in developing economies. Consumers in such contexts prioritize the adoption of alternative product-services as a result of resource constraints. In the reported acquisition pattern analysis, we provide insights into sequential adoption of services and applications (apps) on mobile phones, for example, Facebook and mobile money, by micro-entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa. We collected survey data from 169 Zambian food vendors, and through Mokken scale analysis we derived an acquisition pattern for 12 analyzed services and apps. Micro-entrepreneurs with more employees, tertiary education, and who were younger tended to be closer to the hierarchy’s apex. These findings imply that the individual’s mobile phone technology maturity and business development drive their adoption of services and apps. After presenting these results, we conclude with a discussion of the theoretical insights, managerial insights, and implications for policy makers resulting from the study.
Acute Traumatic and Ischemic Spinal Cord Injuries Have a Comparable Course of Recovery
Authors: Scivoletto Giorgio , Torre Monica , Mammone Alessia , Maier Doris D. , Weidner Norbert , Schubert Martin , Rupp Ruediger , Abel Rainer , Yorck-Bernhard Kalke , Jiri Kriz , Curt Armin , Molinari Marco
Published: July 2020

Background. The relative rarity of ischemic compared with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has limited a comparison of the outcomes of these conditions. Objective. To investigate the neurological and functional recovery of ischemic compared with traumatic acute SCI. Methods. Data were derived from the European Multicenter Study Spinal Cord Injury database. Patients with ischemic (iSCI) or traumatic SCI (tSCI), aged 18 years or older were evaluated at different time points from incidence: at about 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The neurological status was assessed at each time point by the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury and the functional status by the Spinal Cord Independence Measure. Walking ability was evaluated by Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury, 10-Meter Walk Test, and 6-Minute Walk Test. Because of the imbalances of the 2 groups in respect to size and lesion severity, a matching procedure according to age, neurological level, and severity of injury was performed. Outcomes evaluation was performed by means of a 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Results. The matching procedure resulted in 191 pairs. Both groups significantly improved from about 15 days after the lesion to 6 months. No differences were found in the course of neurological and functional recovery of iSCI compared with tSCI. Conclusions. This analysis from a representative cohort of participants revealed that from 15 days following the cord damage onward, the outcomes after iSCI and tSCI are comparable. This finding supports the potential enrolment of patients with acute iSCI into clinical trials from that point in time after the event and an evaluation up to 6 months afterward.
Percutaneous Pulmonary Vein Stenting to Treat Severe Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Surgical Reconstruction
Authors: Dalal Alex R , Markham Ryan , Haeffele Christiane , Sharma Rahul , Watkins A Claire
Published: July 2020

A 36-year-old female underwent left lower lobectomy with left atrial and left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV) reconstruction with a bovine pericardial patch for an intrathoracic pheochromocytoma. Postoperatively, she developed shortness of breath and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated LUPV stenosis with increased velocities. Computed tomography angiogram of the chest revealed LUPV stenosis at the left atrium ostium with an area of 39 mm2. Under angiographic and echocardiographic guidance, a 10 × 19 mm Omnilink Elite uncovered stent was deployed in the LUPV ostia. While reported following left atrial ablation, pulmonary vein stenting can be successful in a pulmonary vein surgically reconstructed with bovine pericardium.
Dynamic reliability analysis of angular contact ball bearings in positioning precision
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Gu Jianguo
Published: July 2020

Bearings are the core components in various kinds of rotating machineries. With the increasing demand of reliable bearings in precision equipment, it is of great significance to analyze the motion error of bearings. In this article, a nonlinear dynamic model of angular contact ball bearings installed in pairs is constructed to describe its response characteristics. The definition of a failure mode in matched bearings is that the dynamic response of each inner race is larger than the allowed axial runout. This article introduces a feasible approach to evaluate the reliability of positioning precision of matched bearings with random geometric parameters. The statistical moments of dynamic response are calculated using stochastic perturbation method. The probability distribution function of state function relating to positioning precision is approached by Edgeworth series, from which the reliability and sensitivity are obtained. A pair of 7206B bearings is taken as an application instance of the proposed method. Monte Carlo simulation is employed to provide a benchmark on which to verify the precision and efficiency of the proposed method. In addition, the effects of mean values and variances of random geometric parameters on the positioning precision are analyzed, respectively.
How long are mechanically ventilated patients fasted prior to surgery? An exploratory study examining preoperative fasting practices across trauma centres
Authors: Bassa Ronit , McGraw Constance , Leonard Jan , McGuire Emmett L , Banton Kaysie , Madayag Robert , Tanner Allen H , Lieser Mark , Harrison Paul B , Bar-Or David
Published: July 2020

For mechanically ventilated patients undergoing surgery, interrupting enteral feeding to prevent pulmonary aspiration is common; however, there are no published preoperative fasting guidelines for these patients, resulting in fasting practices that often vary greatly between hospitals. This retrospective study described fasting practices and surgical outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients across five trauma centres. The primary exposure was hours nil per os before surgery and was stratified into short (<6h) and moderate (≥6h) fasting duration. Shared frailty models assessed the relationship between time to perioperative complication and nil per os category. Three of the five hospitals had preoperative fasting guidelines, and those most compliant required patients to be fed up until surgery. Most patients were fasted ≥6h prior to surgery and no increased risk of complication was found for patients who were fasted <6h. Future studies are needed to establish appropriate preoperative fasting thresholds for mechanically ventilated patients.
Investigating the causes of patient anxiety at induction of anaesthesia: A mixed methods study
Authors: Lumb Andrew B , Latchford Gary J , Bekker Hilary L , Hetmanski Anna R , Thomas Caroline R , Schofield Claire E
Published: July 2020

Aim

To investigate patient anxiety at anaesthetic induction and whether this is affected by anaesthetic room interventions.

Methods

A mixed methods study was carried out: pre-induction interventions were directly observed. Patient anxiety was assessed quantitatively with cardiovascular changes, the visual analogue scale and the state-trait anxiety inventory. Interviews allowed qualitative assessment.

Results

Patient-reported anxiety did not correlate with cardiovascular changes. Anaesthetic room interventions were not predictive of anxiety. Postoperative interviews identified five sources of anxiety, mostly related to preparation for surgery. Staff responses to anxiety were also highlighted.

Discussion

Patient-reported anxiety and its biological response are not correlated. Pre-induction interventions do not contribute to anxiety. Anxiety levels at induction are similar to or lower than earlier in the preoperative period.

Conclusions

On induction of anaesthesia, patients have little control over their situation but are actively reassured and distracted by theatre staff. Our data suggest staff are good at this. More could still be done to reduce preoperative sources of anxiety.
Falling Into the Second-Generation Decline? Evidence From the Intergenerational Differences in Social Identity of Rural–Urban Migrants in China
Authors: Leng Xiangming , Zhong Min , Xu Junling , Xie Shenghua
Published: July 2020

Previous studies have not adequately articulated the intergenerational differences in social identity of rural–urban migrants in China. Using survey data from Wuhan, China, the study tests three hypotheses on intergenerational differences in rural–urban migrants’ social identity based on first-generation and new-generation migrants’ attitudes toward rural and urban society. Results suggest that first-generation migrants are more likely to view themselves as rural rather than urban citizens. However, new-generation migrants tend to regard themselves as neither peasants nor urban citizens, which means that their identity reconstruction is at a stalled status. The identity perplexity of new-generation migrants suggests that they may be in danger of falling into the second-generation decline because there is a mismatch between their aspirations and the practical situation of their identity integration. This article highlights that when analyzing rural–urban migrants’ social identity, it is very important to consider the role of generation and rural–urban migrants’ attitudes toward their background society. Furthermore, the study suggests that in a rural–urban dichotomized society without institutional and social support, rural–urban migrants’ identity integration will not be achieved. Therefore, the Chinese government needs to build an institutionally and socially inclusive society.
Consuming Alcohol to Prepare for Adulthood: An Event History Analysis of the Onset of Alcohol Use Among Chinese College Students
Authors: Mou Yi , Lin Carolyn A.
Published: July 2020

Heavy episodic drinking among college students is a common but scarcely researched public health problem in China. Although social drinking could be regarded as an enjoyable activity across cultures, the Chinese cultural belief about alcohol use is different from that of its Western counterpart, which has been richly evidenced in the research literature. Specifically, Chinese college students may consider social drinking as a venue for practicing an important social skill and preparing for life after college. This project introduces and tests the concept of “drinking as preparation for adulthood.” An approximate longitudinal study was conducted with a purposive sample of 338 college students (65.5% as females) in Southern China. An event history analysis confirms that drinking as preparation for adulthood is a significant predictor of college drinking onset. Findings indicate that culturally unique psychological factors can provide valuable alternative explanations and expand the scientific validity of theories established in the West.
Happiness Among Malaysian Adolescents: The Role of Sociodemographic Factors and Everyday Events
Authors: Mohd Hashim Intan Hashimah , Mohd Zaharim Norzarina
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine how sociodemographic factors and everyday events are related to adolescent’s happiness in Malaysia. A total of 1,766 adolescents from 20 secondary schools in peninsular Malaysia completed a questionnaire on demographic background information and Malay version of Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. Participants were also requested to identify everyday events that made them happy in the last 6 months. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was run to determine effects of gender, ethnicity, religion, and location on happiness. None of the main effects and interactions were significant. Correlation analysis revealed that household income, income of father, education of father, education of mother, and academic performance were significantly associated with adolescent’s happiness. Analysis of the everyday events that were reported to induce happiness suggested these events as related to domains considered salient in an adolescent’s life, including family, friends, and school. Everyday events are also related to intentional activities. Findings provide better understanding of the key demographic factors and everyday events that contribute to happiness of adolescents in Malaysia. Findings particularly suggest the importance of intentional activities in increasing happiness among adolescents.
Self-Efficacy, Work Engagement, and Job Satisfaction Among Teaching Assistants in Hong Kong’s Inclusive Education
Authors: Chan Edmund S. S. , Ho Sammy K. , Ip Flora F. L. , Wong Marina W. Y.
Published: July 2020

The number of teaching assistants (TAs) working in mainstream schools has soared in recent years as students with special educational needs (SEN) are integrated into regular classrooms. However, research on TAs is rare. This study investigated whether and how work engagement mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and job satisfaction among 292 Chinese TAs working in Hong Kong mainstream schools. Survey data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Supported by the social cognitive theory of self-efficacy and self-determination theory of work engagement, our results showed that TAs’ self-efficacy is positively related to their job satisfaction through the mediation of work engagement. Implications for an appropriate focus on enhancing TAs’ self-efficacy through classroom experiences and training courses are discussed.
Mode of onset of dropped head syndrome and efficacy of conservative treatment
Authors: Kusakabe Takuya , Endo Kenji , Sawaji Yasunobu , Suzuki Hidekazu , Nishimura Hirosuke , Matsuoka Yuji , Murata Kazuma , Takamatsu Taichiro , Maekawa Asato , Aihara Takato , Yamamoto Kengo
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

The initial treatment of dropped head syndrome (DHS) is basically nonsurgical, but the mode of onset of DHS and efficacy of conservative treatment have not been fully clarified.

Methods:

The subjects were 38 DHS patients without neuromuscular disease (11 men and 27 women, average age 74.5 years). Cervical collar, physical therapy, and temporary medication for cervical pain were provided for all DHS patients. The following parameters were measured on lateral global spine standing radiographs: sagittal vertical axis (SVA), cervical sagittal vertical axis, C2–C7 angle, first thoracic slope, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence. According to the mode of onset of DHS, the subjects were classified into acute-onset group (<3 months) and chronic-onset group (≥3 months).

Results:

Acute- and chronic-onset DHS were observed in 20 and 18 patients, respectively. A history of cervical trauma was involved in nine and two cases of acute- and chronic-onset DHS, respectively. Acute-onset DHS included more balanced-SVA (B-SVA: −30 mm <SVA ≤40 mm) than chronic-onset DHS. In conservative cases, the recovery rate was better in acute-onset DHS with B-SVA. In acute-onset DHS treated conservatively, the recovery rate was significantly poor in cervical trauma cases.

Conclusions:

Acute-onset DHS includes more balanced SVA and a history of cervical trauma, while acute-onset DHS without a history of cervical trauma has better prognosis by conservative treatment. Surgical indications for DHS should be carefully determined, and sufficient conservative treatment is essential.
Examining Design and Statistical Power for Planning Cluster Randomized Trials Aimed at Improving Student Science Achievement and Science Teacher Outcomes
Authors: Zhang Qi , Spybrook Jessaca , Unlu Fatih
Published: July 2020

With the increasing demand for evidence-based research on teacher effectiveness and improving student achievement, more impact studies are being conducted to examine the effectiveness of professional development (PD) interventions. Cluster randomized trials (CRTs) are often carried out to assess PD interventions that aim to improve both teacher and student outcomes. Due to the different design parameters (i.e., intraclass correlation and R2) and benchmark effect sizes associated with the student and teacher outcomes, two power analyses are necessary for planning CRTs that aim to detect both teacher and student effects in one study. These two power analyses are often conducted separately without considering how design choices to power the study to detect student effects may affect design choices to power the study to detect teacher effects and vice versa. In this study, we consider strategies to maximize the efficiency of the study design when both student and teacher effects are of primary interest.
The war for the future
Authors: Forsythe Samuel , Rößing Anna
Published: July 2020

The following essay was born out of the authors’ participation in the Hamburg (Insecurity) Sessions 2019: Un-Cancelling the Future, and the discussions that took place in the workshop on Future Weapons and Emerging Technologies. The workshop participants critically addressed such problems as the future of defence technologies and their sociotechnical environments, cybersecurity and surveillance proliferation and the improvised instruments of insurgency. Our task was to weave the ideas and insights of the workshop’s participants into a vision of the world in 2040 and use it to motivate an analysis of the technoscientific imaginaries emerging in the present. From the workshop presentations and discussions, we identified three key areas of that allowed us to imagine the outlines and interactions of global security and technoscientific practice in 2040: ecopolitics: the exploitation of ecological systems for strategic ends; technonationalism: the use of advanced technologies to pursue racialised and nationalistic geopolitical agendas; and the security continuum: the extension of conflict modes to all aspects of social life and the open-source proliferation of security tools and techniques.
Reporting of placebo medication descriptors in randomised controlled trials: A review of three medical journals
Authors: Watson Michelle , Arundel Catherine , Clark Laura , Cook Liz , Sbizzera Illary
Published: July 2020

Clinical trials involving a placebo enable researchers to determine the effectiveness of a product; however, ensuring a placebo matches an active treatment takes great consideration, time and costs. We aimed to assess the reporting quality of blinding descriptions for placebo medication treatments and consider this in relation to funding support (commercial or non-commercial). The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA); the Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) were searched for randomised clinical trials, and 117 papers involving a placebo medication, published between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017, were extracted. The data were analysed for the number of publications reporting characteristics of placebo treatments, frequency of the characteristics and source of funding. Three quarters of the articles reported at least one characteristic of the placebo. The Lancet and JAMA consistently had this information present; however, this was observed less in the NEJM. The most common characteristic was ‘matching placebo’, followed by contents of the placebo, packaging and appearance. Texture, taste and smell were least reported. Within those supported by commercial funding, two-thirds reported at least one characteristic of the placebo treatment, whilst almost all of the articles without commercial funding reported at least one characteristic. Efforts are being made to include descriptions of blinded medication; however, inconsistencies suggest that guidelines are not always being followed, and more can be done to improve reporting. Future research should focus on the reasons for inadequate recording and aim to reduce the inconsistencies observed.
Scoping Review of Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agents in the Detection of Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Lau Christopher , Hess Paula , Shreves Tom , Lee Ming-Sum
Published: July 2020

Objective:

A systematic search was conducted to categorize targeted ultrasound contrast agents used in the detection of myocardial ischemia.

Methods:

The search identified 14 primary research articles published from 2000 to August 2019 that fulfilled the selection criteria. All studies were conducted in animal models ranging from mice to rhesus monkeys, with the most common targets being P-selectin and E-selectin.

Results:

These studies show that targeted ultrasound contrast agents produced greater signal enhancement in regions with prolonged ischemia and maintained enhancement hours after reperfusion.

Conclusion:

This review identified gaps in the literature, such as a need for comparative studies among different molecular markers and between current standard of care with the use of targeted contrast agents in cardiac ultrasound.
Genetic Effects of Soluble Starch Synthase IV-2 and It with ADPglucose Pyrophorylase Large Unit and Pullulanase on Rice Qualities
Authors: Xu Liang , You Hui , Zhang Ouling , Xiang Xunchao
Published: July 2020

Background

Rice amylose content and amylopectin structure corporately determine rice eating and cooking qualities (ECQs). Soluble starch synthase (SS) IV-2 is a member of the soluble starch synthesis gene family but with unknown effects on ECQs.

Results

In this study, three populations derived from a cross of two parents who possess the same major genes of starch bio-synthesis were employed to investigate the influence of SSIV-2 and its combined effects with ADPglucose pyrophorylase large unit (AGPlar) and Pullulanase (PUL) on ECQs. The results illustrated that the polymorphism of SSIV-2 alleles significantly affected gel consistency (GC), gelatinization temperature (GT), percent of retrogradation (PR) and three crucial rapid viscosity analysis (RVA) profile parameters: peak viscosity (PKV), breakdown viscosity (BDV) and setback viscosity (SBV). And SSIV-2 allele derived from CG173R had better quality traits with lower GT, SBV and PR. Moreover, its interaction with AGPlar was responsible for the variations of GC, apparent amylose content (AAC), GT, PR and all RVA parameters except for pasting temperature (PaT) and peak time (PeT), in terms of GC, PKV and CSV, AGPlar derived from CG173R had an epistatic effect on SSIV-2; additionally, interaction of SSIV-2 and PUL mainly affected GC, AAC, PKV, CPV, CSV and SBV. I-C and C-1 (I, allele of AGPlar from Guangzhan 63S; C, allele of SSIV-2 from CG173R; 1, allele of PUL from Guangzhan 63S) combinations had better ECQs.

Conclusions

SSIV-2 alleles significantly affect rice quality, especially the parameters relevant to gelatinized and thermal characteristics of starch (GC, PR, GT, PKV, BDV and SBV) under the same major genes (Waxy and SSII-3) background. It indicates that SSIV-2 functions elongation of starch chain. These findings suggest that the effects of SSIV-2 and its interaction with AGPlar and PUL are vital for rice quality breeding with the same major genes.
Outcomes of the association of asymptomatic cystocele repair in patients undergoing mid-urethral sling surgery for the correction of stress incontinence
Authors: Abdel Aziz Ahmed Yehia , Hassan Sarah , Morsy Samer , Hussein Hussein Aly , Abdel Azim Dalia , Abdel Azim Mohamed Salah
Published: July 2020

Background

Comparison between the clinical outcomes of mid-urethral sling procedure for stress incontinence with and without repair of asymptomatic stage II cystocele is made.

Methods

This is a prospective randomized study of 72 female patients with stress urinary incontinence and asymptomatic stage II cystocele. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 treated with trans-obturator tape only and group 2 with repair of cystocele by anterior colporrhaphy in the same session. We compared between both groups in cure rate and voiding function after 1 year.

Results

The cure rate of group 1 was 66.7%, while for group 2 it was 90% after 12 months (p < 0.05). Six patients (17%) with asymptomatic stage II cystocele in group 1 became symptomatic or developed higher stage after 12 months that required surgical repair. The incidence of postoperative irritative urinary symptoms was also significantly higher in group 1. There were no significant differences in the change in maximum flow rate or postvoiding residual urine between the two groups postoperatively.

Conclusion

Concomitant repair of stage II asymptomatic cystocele with mid-urethral sling improves the cure rate of stress urinary insentience and reduces the incidence of irritative urinary symptoms.
Advanced oxidation processes for the removal of cyanobacterial toxins from drinking water
Authors: Schneider Marcel , Bláha Luděk
Published: July 2020

Drinking water production faces many different challenges with one of them being naturally produced cyanobacterial toxins. Since pollutants become more abundant and persistent today, conventional water treatment is often no longer sufficient to provide adequate removal. Among other emerging technologies, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have a great potential to appropriately tackle this issue. This review addresses the economic and health risks posed by cyanotoxins and discusses their removal from drinking water by AOPs. The current state of knowledge on AOPs and their application for cyanotoxin degradation is synthesized to provide an overview on available techniques and effects of water quality, toxin- and technique-specific parameters on their degradation efficacy. The different AOPs are compared based on their efficiency and applicability, considering economic, practical and environmental aspects and their potential to generate toxic disinfection byproducts. For future research, more relevant studies to include the degradation of less-explored cyanotoxins, toxin mixtures in actual surface water, assessment of residual toxicity and scale-up are recommended. Since actual surface water most likely contains more than just cyanotoxins, a multi-barrier approach consisting of a series of different physical, biological and chemical—especially oxidative—treatment steps is inevitable to ensure safe and high-quality drinking water.
Effect of bowel preparation volume in inpatient colonoscopy. Results of a prospective, randomized, comparative pilot study
Authors: Hernandez Patricia V. , Horsley-Silva Jennifer L. , Snyder Diana L. , Baffy Noemi , Atia Mary , Koepke Laura , Buras Matthew R. , Lim Elisabeth S. , Ruff Kevin , Umar Sarah B. , Islam Sameer , Ramirez Francisco C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Inpatient status has been shown to be a predictor of poor bowel preparation for colonoscopy; however, the optimal bowel preparation regimen for hospitalized patients is unknown. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of bowel preparation volume size in hospitalized patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy.

Methods

This prospective, single blinded (endoscopist), randomized controlled trial was conducted as a pilot study at a tertiary referral medical center. Hospitalized patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy were assigned randomly to receive a high, medium, or low-volume preparation. Data collection included colon preparation quality, based on the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, and a questionnaire given to all subjects evaluating the ability to completely finish bowel preparation and adverse effects (unpleasant taste, nausea, and vomiting).

Results

Twenty-five colonoscopies were performed in 25 subjects. Patients who received low-volume preparation averaged a higher mean total BBPS (7.4, SD 1.62), in comparison to patients who received high-volume (7.0, SD 1.41) and medium-volume prep (6.9, SD 1.55), P = 0.77. When evaluating taste a higher score meant worse taste. The low-volume group scored unpleasant taste as 0.6 (0.74), while the high-volume group gave unpleasant taste a score of 2.2 (0.97) and the medium-volume group gave a score of 2.1 (1.36), P < 0.01.

Conclusion

In this pilot study we found that low-volume colon preparation may be preferred in the inpatient setting due its better rate of tolerability and comparable bowel cleanliness when compared to larger volume preparation, although we cannot overreach any definitive conclusion. Further more robust studies are required to confirm these findings.

Trial registration

The Affect of Low-Volume Bowel Preparation for Hospitalized Patients Colonoscopies. Trial registration: NCT01978509 (terminated). Retrospectively registered on November 07, 2013.