bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Student and faculty perceptions of writing in a foreign language studies major
Authors: Menke Mandy R. , Anderson Ana M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWriting occupies a central position in university foreign language studies programs, yet little is known about the nature of writing instruction in upper‐division content courses. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data, this study, which was part of an internal program assessment, explores faculty and student perceptions of students’ writing abilities as well as students’ perceptions of the quality, focus, and components of writing instruction. Findings point to a lack of clarity in expectations and students’ uncertainty about the relationship between content and language in writing. In addition, contradicting reports of students’ writing abilities suggest that process‐oriented instruction that incorporates faculty feedback supports and improves university students’ writing within the discipline. Suggestions for improving writing instruction and students’ outcomes are discussed in the context of previous scholarship on university curricula and faculty professional development.
Conventional Oil—The Forgotten Part of the Water‐Energy Nexus
Authors: McIntosh Jennifer C. , Ferguson Grant 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe impacts of unconventional oil and gas production via high‐volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) on water resources, such as water use, groundwater and surface water contamination, and disposal of produced waters, have received a great deal of attention over the past decade. Conventional oil and gas production (e.g., enhanced oil recovery [EOR]), which has been occurring for more than a century in some areas of North America, shares the same environmental concerns, but has received comparatively little attention. Here, we compare the amount of produced water versus saltwater disposal (SWD) and injection for EOR in several prolific hydrocarbon producing regions in the United States and Canada. The total volume of saline and fresh to brackish water injected into depleted oil fields and nonproductive formations is greater than the total volume of produced waters in most regions. The addition of fresh to brackish “makeup” water for EOR may account for the net gain of subsurface water. The total amount of water injected and produced for conventional oil and gas production is greater than that associated with HVHF and unconventional oil and gas production by well over a factor of 10. Reservoir pressure increases from EOR and SWD wells are low compared to injection of fluids for HVHF, however, the longer duration of injections could allow for greater solute transport distances and potential for contamination. Attention should be refocused from the subsurface environmental impacts of HVHF to the oil and gas industry as a whole.
Recent advances in the systemic treatment of metastatic non‐clear cell renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Ito Keiichi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThere is still no standard treatment for non‐clear cell renal cell carcinomas. Sunitinib is the most examined drug because of its effectiveness in retrospective studies and clinical trials, and is the preferred first‐line drug in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline. Temsirolimus is an option as a first‐line drug, especially for poor‐risk non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients. Everolimus, pazopanib, axitinib and nivolmab might also be viable options. Clinical trials are still required to gather evidence regarding non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma treatment. Because each non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma has a different genetic background and molecular features, specific treatment for each non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma should be established. From the results of a Japanese multicenter study, tyrosine kinase inhibitors might be better used for metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma in both first‐ and second‐line settings. Both tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamicin inhibitors are effective for metastatic chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, but the preferred first‐line drug has not been determined. Platinum‐based chemotherapies are currently recommended for metastatic collecting duct carcinoma, and anti‐angiogenic drugs are effective in some cases. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, especially sunitinib, appear to be effective for X11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma among the microphthalmia‐associated transcription family of translocation renal cell carcinomas. Evidence is still lacking regarding the treatment for other rare non‐clear cell renal cell carcinomas. Appropriate sequential therapies using antivascular endothelial growth factor therapies, mammalian target of rapamicin inhibitors and immuno‐oncology drugs should be established for each non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Cost savings with a novel algorithm for early detection of systemic sclerosis‐related pulmonary arterial hypertension: alternative scenario analyses
Authors: Quinlivan Alannah , Proudman Susanna , Sahhar Joanne , Stevens Wendy , Nikpour Mandana ,   on behalf of the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG)
Published: June 2019

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension is an important cause of death and disability in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Yearly screening of all SSc patients with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is recommended in international guidelines and currently utilised by the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIGSTANDARD). Owing to the limitations of TTE, the ASIG developed a new screening algorithm (ASIGPROPOSED) utilising a serum biomarker, NT‐proBNP, in place of TTE, which has been shown to be equally accurate as the current algorithm. The aim of this study was to compare the cost of these two algorithms using different scenarios. The new algorithm resulted in significant yearly cost savings of between AU$42 913.35 and AU$84 570 in screening and diagnosis of an Australian cohort which, if extrapolated to the Australian population, would result in a yearly cost saving of between AU$367 066 and AU$725 564. There was no scenario in which the proposed algorithm did not result in a cost saving.
The effectiveness of a brief motivational nursing intervention to reduce psychoactive substance consumption in entertainment‐sector workers: A transversal, observation, and semi‐experimental study
Authors: Almodóvar‐Fernandez Isabel , Sánchez‐Thevenet Paula , Benito Ana , Baquero Abel , Marí‐Sanmillan María Isabel , Haro Gonzalo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractChecking whether changes in the perception of the quality of life related to health, after the nursing intervention, influence these patients’ motivation to change. This was a two‐staged study undertaken in entertainment‐sector workers in Spain: the first part was transversal and observational, and the second was semi‐experimental. First part undertook in 284 entertainment‐sector workers, selected by non‐probabilistic sampling, while second part undertook in 50 entertainment‐business workers, selected by consecutive sampling from those who consumed substances. A short group‐based motivational intervention session was implemented by nursing staff, and a before and after evaluation was completed. The EuroQol‐5D and Test for the Evaluation of the Quality of Life in Addicts to Psychoactive Substances (TECVASP) were used. The patients’ motivation to change was evaluated through the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale. The results analysis showed that the nursing intervention reduced the participants’ perceptions of their health‐related quality of life (t = 4.23; P = 0.00009) and of their quality of life in addicts to psychoactive substances (t = 3.38; P = 0.00140). There was an increase in the motivation of 6 workers (12%) to seek treatment of their addiction (χ2 = 13.02; P = 0.0091). The post‐test contemplation stage score was predicted (F = 6.56; P = 0.003; R = 0.46) with post‐test TECVASP score and pre–post difference in TECVASP score. By reducing the patients’ perception of their quality of life, this brief nursing intervention facilitated a favourable increase in the motivation for change among these workers and was effective in 12% of cases.
Self‐efficacy and organizational commitment among Spanish nurses: the role of work engagement
Authors: Orgambídez A. , Borrego Y. , Vázquez‐Aguado O. 
Published: June 2019

AimThe objective of this study was to verify the mediating role of work engagement between self‐efficacy and affective organizational commitment on the basis of the Job Demands‐Resources Model in a sample of Spanish nursing staff.BackgroundAffective organizational commitment is a key element, both for the permanence of nursing staff and for the provision of an excellent quality of care of health organizations. However, the relationships between self‐efficacy, work engagement and affective commitment to the organization have been little explored within the nursing context.MethodsA total of 527 nursing professionals from Spanish public hospitals in Andalusia were surveyed, obtaining a convenience sample of 324 participants (52.96% nurses, 47.04% nursing assistants). The mediating role of work engagement was examined using structural equation modelling and the bootstrapping method.ResultsThe results showed that affective organizational commitment was positively predicted by self‐efficacy and work engagement. Work engagement had a direct effect on affective organizational commitment, while the effect of self‐efficacy on affective commitment was totally mediated by work engagement.ConclusionsThe results give empirical support to the Job Demands‐Resources Model, which raises the mediating role of work engagement between self‐efficacy (personal resource) and affective organizational commitment (organizational result).Implications for nursing practiceHealth organizations should be aware that a greater perception of efficacy beliefs and work engagement strengthens the affective bond with the organization, thus improving the corporate image of the health institution.Implications for nursing policyPolicy changes are necessary to create work environments that enhance the self‐efficacy of nursing staff and generate high levels of work engagement, such as flexible training plans and informal support groups.
Comparison of germination–parboiling, freeze–thaw cycle, and high pressure processing on the cooking quality of brown rice
Authors: Du Yang , Zhu Songming , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Wang Hao , Wu Jian , Yu Yong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThree treatments, namely, germination–parboiling (GP), freeze–thaw cycle (FTC), and high pressure processing (HPP) were compared for different qualities of brown rice (BR): appearance characteristics, cooking time and texture, and compared with those of untreated BR and white rice. All these three methods significantly (p < .05) reduced cooking time by 12–23% and hardness of cooked BR by 17–23% (except GP), but reduced chewiness and generated some cracks in rice kernel. Moreover, GP process resulted in the best springiness and chewiness, FTC held the original lightness of BR well and had loose structure after cooking, while HPP (500 MPa) showed the lowest cooking time and cooking loss. The results of this study show that these three treatments could improve majority of the cooking qualities of BR and provide better commercial processing opportunities.Practical applicationsThis study successfully tackles the rough cooking properties of BR via three treatments: germination‐parboiling (GP), freeze–thaw cycle (FTC), and high pressure processing (HPP). Among them, GP and HPP have been adopted for commercial applications and the products are getting increasingly accepted by Chinese consumers. FTC is a simple and effective processing method, which is rarely reported, and the expected cost of its equipment is less than 1/10 of that for HPP and 1/3 of GP. This research provides incentives for farmers and food processors to increase their incomes and it can also promote the development of whole grain foods focused to improve the health of consumers.
Stainless steel surface functionalized with silver by cathodic sputtering
Authors: Toloi Torqueti Fernanda , Lino Freitas Gabriela , Carneiro Ferreira Deusmaque , Valetim Gelamo Rogério , Dias dos Anjos Gonçalves Letícia , Anadrade Araújo Naves Emiliane 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to functionalize the stainless steel surface with silver and to evaluate its antimicrobial capacity. For this purpose, stainless steel coupons coated or not with silver films were exposed to the presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of bacterial adhesion on the silver functionalized coupons showed lower counts of adhered S. aureus cells when compared to E. coli. The atomic force microscopy allowed to measure the thickness of the silver film deposited (31 nm). Although all surfaces were considered hydrophobic, the silver‐functionalized stainless steel coupons presented an increase in surface hydrophobicity. Changes in the surface of the stainless steel coupons were observed by cyclic voltammetry after the silver sputtering procedure, thus evidencing the silver deposition on the surface of the stainless steel coupons. Therefore, the cathodic sputtering has proven to be effective to reduce the microbial load adhered.Practical ApplicationsCathodic sputtering proved to be efficient to functionalize stainless steel with silver surface. The modification of the surface of the stainless steel coupon with sputtering of the silver proved to deposition of the silver on the surface by cathodic deposition. Silver ions reduced bacterial load, both gram‐positive and gram‐negative, on the surfaces analyzed. Therefore, the food industry can prevent the risk of microbial adhesion and the biofilm formation using surface functionalized with a silver‐based antimicrobial agent and thus reduces the use of chemical sanitizers in the second stage of the hygiene process. This process is interesting because it dont cause deleterious effects on human health and the environment.
Health service provider education and/or training in infant male circumcision to improve short‐ and long‐term morbidity outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Gyan Thomas , Strobel Natalie A , McAuley Kimberley , Shannon Caitlin , Newton Sam , Tawiah‐Agyemang Charlotte , Amenga‐Etego Seeba , Owusu‐Agyei Seth , Forbes David , Edmond Karen 
Published: June 2019

AimTo systematically review the effectiveness of education and/or training for traditional (informal) and formal health service providers in infant male circumcision on morbidity or mortality outcomes.MethodsWe searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Global Health, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and clinical trial registries in all languages from January 1985 to June 2018. Our primary outcomes were all‐cause morbidity and all‐cause mortality.ResultsWe identified 1399 publications. Only four non‐controlled before and after studies from the USA and Uganda satisfied our criteria, all of which examined the effect of training on the skills and knowledge of medical doctors, midwives and clinical officers. No study involved informal traditional circumcision providers. All included studies were low quality.ConclusionsHigh‐quality studies of simple training packages to improve education and training of circumcision providers, especially informal non‐medical providers in low income countries are needed.
An evolutionary Cournot oligopoly model with imitators and perfect foresight best responders
Authors: Cerboni Baiardi Lorenzo , Naimzada Ahmad K. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe consider the competition among quantity setting players in a linear evolutionary environment. To set their outputs, players adopt, alternatively, the best response rule having perfect foresight or an imitative rule. Players are allowed to change their behavior through an evolutionary mechanism according to which the rule with better performance will attract more followers. The relevant stationary state of the model describes a scenario where players produce at the Cournot‐Nash level. Due to the presence of imitative behavior, we find that the number of players and implementation costs, needed to the best response exploitation, have an ambiguous role in determining the stability properties of the equilibrium and double stability thresholds can be observed. Differently, the role of the intensity of choice, representing the evolutionary propensity to switch to the most profitable rule, has a destabilizing role, in line with the common occurrence in evolutionary models. The global analysis of the model reveals that increasing values of the intensity of choice parameter determine increasing dynamic complexities for the internal attractor representing a population where both decision mechanisms coexist.
Changes in heart rate and skin conductance in the 30 min preceding aggressive behavior
Authors: de Looff Peter , Noordzij Matthijs L. , Moerbeek Mirjam , Nijman Henk , Didden Robert , Embregts Petri 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAggressive behavior of inpatients threatens the safety and well‐being of both mental health staff members and fellow patients. It was investigated whether heart rate and electrodermal activity can be used to signal imminent aggression. A naturalistic study was conducted in which 100 inpatients wore sensor wristbands during 5 days to monitor their heart rate and electrodermal activity while staff members recorded patients’ aggressive incidents on the ward. Of the 100 patients, 36 displayed at least one aggressive incident. Longitudinal multilevel models indicated that heart rate, skin conductance level, and the number of nonspecific skin conductance responses per minute rose significantly in the 20 min preceding aggressive incidents. Although psychopathy was modestly correlated with displaying aggression, it was not a significant predictor of heart rate and skin conductance preceding aggression. The current findings may provide opportunities for the development of individual prediction models to aid acute risk assessment and to predict aggressive incidents in an earlier stage. The current results on the physiological indicators of aggression are promising for reducing aggression and improving both staff as well as patient safety in psychiatric mental health institutions.
Calprotectin instability may lead to undertreatment in children with IBD
Authors: Haisma Sjoukje-Marije , van Rheenen Patrick Ferry , Wagenmakers Lucie , Muller Kobold Anneke 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundTreatment decisions in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are increasingly based on longitudinal tracking of faecal calprotectin concentrations, but there is little known about the stability of this protein in stool.MethodsWe stored aliquots of homogenised stool at room temperature and at 4°C, and measured the calprotectin concentration for 6 consecutive days with three different assays. In addition, we assessed calprotectin stability in assay-specific extraction buffers kept at room temperature.ResultsAfter 6 days of storage at room temperature, mean percentage change from baseline calprotectin concentrations in stool and extraction buffer was 35% and 46%, respectively. The stability of calprotectin was significantly better preserved in samples stored at 4°C (p=0.0066 and 0.0011, respectively).ConclusionsCalprotectin is not stable at room temperature. Children with IBD and their caretakers may be falsely reassured by low calprotectin values. The best advisable standard for preanalytical calprotectin handling is refrigeration of the stool sample until delivery at the hospital laboratory.
Insulin prices, availability and affordability in 13 low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Ewen Margaret , Joosse Huibert-Jan , Beran David , Laing Richard 
Published: June 2019

IntroductionGlobally, one in two people needing insulin lack access. High prices and poor availability are thought to be key contributors to poor insulin access. However, few studies have assessed the availability, price and affordability of different insulin types in low-income and middle-income countries in a systematic way.MethodsIn 2016, 15 insulin price and availability surveys were undertaken (using an adaptation of the WHO/Health Action International medicine price and availability measurement methodology) in Brazil, China (Hubei and Shaanxi Provinces), Ethiopia, Ghana, India (Haryana and Madhya Pradesh States), Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Pakistan, Russia (Kazan Province) and Uganda. Data were collected in three sectors (public, private pharmacies and private hospitals/clinics) in three regions per survey. Insulin prices were standardised to 10 mL 100 IU/mL in US dollars ($). Data were also collected for four comparator medicines.ResultsMean availability was higher for human (55%–80%) versus analogue insulins (55%–63%), but only short-acting human insulin reached 80% availability (public sector). Median government procurement prices were $5 (human insulins) and $33 (long-acting analogues). In all three sectors, median patient prices were $9 for human insulins. Median patient prices for analogues varied between the public sector ($34) and the two private sectors ($44). Vials were cheaper than pens and cartridges. Biosimilars, when available, were mostly cheaper than originators. A low-income person had to work 4 and 7 days to buy 10 mL human and analogue insulin, respectively. For isophane human insulin, only three countries meet the WHO target of 80% availability of affordable essential medicines for non-communicable diseases in any sector.ConclusionImproving insulin availability and affordability needs to be addressed through national and global actions, including prioritising the supply of more affordable human insulin, increasing competition through the use of lower priced quality-assured biosimilars, negotiating lower prices from manufacturers and improving distribution systems.
Stroboscopic light effects during electronic dance music festivals and photosensitive epilepsy: a cohort study and case report
Authors: Salet Newel , Visser Marieke , Stam Cornelis , Smulders Yvo M 
Published: June 2019

ObjectivesElectronic dance music (EDM) concerts are becoming increasingly popular. Strong stroboscopic light effects are commonly part of these shows, and may provoke seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. This study aims to examine the risk of epileptic seizures during EDM concerts.Setting28 EDM concerts taking place in The Netherlands.ParticipantsWe describe a young man who experienced a seizure during an EDM concert, and who later showed a positive electroencephalographic provocation test during exposure to video footage of the same concert. Subsequently, we performed a cohort study of 400 343 visitors to EDM concerts, divided in those exposed (concert occurring in darkness) versus unexposed (concert in daylight) to stroboscopic light effects.ResultsIn total, 400 343 EDM concert visitors were included: 241 543 (representing 2 222 196 person hours) in the exposed group and 158 800 (representing 2 334 360 person hours) in the control group. The incidence density ratio of epileptic seizures in exposed versus unexposed individuals was 3.5 (95% CI: 1.7 to 7.8; p<0.0005). Less than one-third of cases occurred during use of ecstasy or similar stimulant drugs.ConclusionStroboscopic light effects during EDM concerts occurring in darkness probably more than triple the risk of epileptic seizures. Concert organisers and audience should warn against the risk of seizures and promote precautionary measures in susceptible individuals.